Could The XFL, USFL Merger Talks Help Or Hinder HBCU, FCS Players?

Could the new merger talks between the XFL and USFL help or hinder HBCU and FCS players auditioning for the NFL?

Kyle T. Mosley | Sep 19, 2023

HOUSTON - Could the merger talks between the XFL and USFL help or hinder HBCU and FCS players auditioning for the NFL? According to Axios reporters Tim Baysinger, Dan Primack, and Sara Fischer, serious merger discussions are taking place between the XFL and USFL. The XFL ownership consists of Dany Garcia, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners. Fox Corp. owns the rights to the USFL.

The reports state that negotiations are underway regarding the operational aspects of the new entity. Significant consideration regarding the current media and broadcasting rights of each entity must be hammered out before finalizing a deal. The USFL currently has an agreement with NBC, while the XFL is a media partner with Disney.

How will this impact football players at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools?

The NFL still needs to put more effort into creating a developmental league for up-and-coming players. However, they have been clever in reviewing players' performances and signing them to rookie minicamps and training camp rosters, which has led to the signing of several players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Dwayne Johnson and the XFL are dedicated to supporting HBCU football players. Last season, the league held tryouts for athletes at HBCU centers in professional stadiums nationwide, including one at Jackson State University. Coach Prime and Johnson spoke to ESPN about the importance of the XFL for HBCU players with aspirations of playing professionally.

Regulatory approval on the merger is required before the new operations can commence in 2024. The NFL will continue to use the 16 teams from the XFL and USFL to evaluate talent, especially HBCUs and FCS programs. Both leagues gave undrafted free-agent players and rookies a platform to showcase their skills on a professional level.

There shouldn't be a negative impact on providing more chances for HBCU and FCS players. As the legendary Coach Eddie Robinson would say, "All they need is an opportunity." The merger will provide those athletes the extra time to mature and evolve into National Football League talent.

Published Sep 19, 2023

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: