While many are still asking the question, it does not seem like a 2024 USFL expansion is likely. While of course, it would be fun to have new teams, it may be a smart big-picture decision by the league not to do this. They will also be continuing to play in the hubs as opposed to the individual teams’ cities. While it would be fun for fans to be able to go to live games, keeping it this way can help the league as well. Here is a look at why there being no 2024 USFL expansion is a good thing.
No Expansion Means No New Teams
Memphis Showboats – Michael Hickey/USFL/Getty Images
A big complaint, or at least a request, is that the USFL should add more teams. And while it would be cool to bring back some of the original teams, keeping it at eight may be smarter for the league. If there were to be a 2024 USFL expansion, they would need to add at least two new teams. In the 2023 season, the USFL North division struggled. Every single team in the North ended with a losing record. Even the team with the highest hopes, the New Jersey Generals, ended their season 3-7.
The South division was extremely close and great to watch. The Memphis Showboats put on a great show for fans of the league. Aside from the Birmingham Stallions, no one knew what would happen in the South because every team was worthy of making playoffs. The close matchups made the USFL much more fun for fans to watch. Yes, North Division games were still close and entertaining, but for those who do not watch the league, seeing these poor records will not help gain new viewers.
Not doing a 2024 USFL expansion can help keep the league competitive more than fans may think. Teams will lose players to other leagues, that is bound to happen with spring football. For the most part, many of the teams will retain the majority of their players. Now these teams will go into year three with much more experience, and games can get more competitive. Once these records increase, then an expansion does make sense. For now, the current teams need to get better.
Birmingham Stallions QB Alex McGough (2) – Alex Slitz/USFL/Getty Images for USFL
Why Keep Hub Locations
While no 2024 USFL expansion definitely means no new teams, it also looks like the hub locations will return. It can definitely be frustrating for fans of the USFL to have to watch games played in hub cities. Sure, for Birmingham, Michigan, and Memphis fans, it worked out well. Those three teams each represent the city those stadiums were in. As for the other five teams’ fans, it can be difficult to never get to see your favorite USFL team in person. This is especially hard for the Generals and Maulers, who play in Canton, Ohio.
It is even hard not being able to hear fans the way you would be able to if it were in an area with a real home crowd. Fans are the most important part of sports, no matter what the league is. While the arguments against hubs make sense, no 2024 USFL expansions regarding teams playing in their own stadiums do have logic to it.
Birmingham Stallions RB CJ Marable (11), C Cameron Hunt (78) and WR Victor Bolden, Jr. (7) – Gaelen Morse/Getty Images
The league has made it clear that they want each individual team to have their own owners before moving into their own locations. This is a pure money move by the league. Keeping these eight teams in four locations will help the league save money in order to last longer. Now, while a 2024 USFL expansion will not happen, the league should begin thinking about changing that plan on the sooner side. For now, though, it may be the best way to get the USFL to grow in fanbases.
The league is focusing on how it looks on the TV compared to getting fans into the stadiums. It is an interesting choice, but not a bad one either. The sole focus of the USFL is long-term growth, and while it is difficult for fans, this is the way to do it. With only eight teams, their best bet is to simply entice people to watch for now and make sure the teams get more competitive. Hopefully, while there will be no 2024 USFL expansion, this all pays off, and the league can continue to grow.
