MLFB 2021

XFL Decision to Play in 2022 Leaves Door Open for the MLFB

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On Thursday, the XFL announced that they were not starting a new season until 2022. This leaves the door wide open for another spring league with plans to play in 2021. The MLFB.

Major League Football recently filed its SEC paperwork, outlining their plans, and showing potential investors their progress. Their league wouldn’t begin until May, which would have been after the XFL’s season anyway, but this gives the MLFB a chance at getting to players and coaches before them. Which could end up being quite the coup.

CEO Frank Murtha talked with me briefly today about this opportunity. We spoke a little about whether they had coaches lined up, a list of possible players, and while he didn’t give me any details, he did say that he’s been working in “stealth-mode” on the coaching front.

I asked him about player contracts, what they would be, whether the deals would contain an opportunity to leave for the NFL or XFL, and what players could expect as a salary. Murtha said players would likely be under a 2-year deal, with an option to take any NFL spot, but leaving for the XFL would not be an option at this point.

Salaries would be somewhere between what the AAF and the XFL paid their base, with bonuses for wins. Somewhere in the ballpark of $2500-$3500 per game, $1k bonus for the winning team. Quarterbacks would be negotiated, with a higher salary being the likely outcome.

Now, my numbers cannot be taken as gospel. No one is signed to a deal yet, and things may change.

What makes the MLFB different, is they have a $30 million budget. Their plans are to play in smaller venues, between 10,000-20,000 fans, in markets with no professional teams. Not even Major League Baseball. Bringing some much-needed revenue to small towns.

Of course, virus testing is considered, as we don’t know where we will be with COVID-19 when things get rolling. Murtha said they have an inexpensive way to properly do the tests, and that safety across the board is paramount. If it’s still not safe to play, they won’t.

The initial idea was to have 6 teams play the first season. Since the league has the trademarks for over 10, we don’t yet know exactly which teams would be considered for this inaugural year.

The AAF, and the XFL have proven that the fans want football in the NFL’s offseason. Those leagues also proved that there is NFL talent not on active rosters, and good football can be played. Now that the XFL will not play until 2022, 2021 is prime for a new spring football league.

Keep your eye on the MLFB.