Joshua Mousel 
In back-to-back announcements, the USFL has confirmed a kickoff date for Season 2 while also introducing a familiar franchise back into the league. On Monday, November 14th, the USFL announced that the defending Champion Birmingham Stallions will kick off the new season on April 15th at Protective Stadium in Birmingham!
This is a major milestone for the Spring football league. They become the first Spring league in nearly 40 years to complete an inaugural season and return for a second. The April 15th date will put the USFL season opener roughly one month after the XFL 3.0 kicks off their season (February 18th).
A Familiar Face
On Tuesday, November 15th, the USFL confirmed what people had been speculating on for some time. They announced the Memphis Showboats were returning to the league. Memphis was an original USFL team during its first stint.
“I could not be happier to bring the Showboats back home to Memphis,” said Mayor Jim Strickland. “I have so many fond memories of going to USFL games. The atmosphere was amazing, the spring weather was beautiful, there was quality football, and it was an overall great experience. I know this time will be no different, and I cannot wait to go to the first game on April 16.”
It seems the USFL will be using Memphis as a hub as they continue to slowly expand the team markets until eventually, all teams are playing in front of their home cities. The Houston Gamblers will be hosted by the Memphis Showboats for the 2023 season.
This does come at the expense of the Tampa Bay Bandits, who were replaced by the Showboats. This marks the second loss of Spring football teams in the Tampa market. The XFL also moved the Tampa Bay Vipers to Orlando as the Orlando Guardians. The Tampa Bay Bandits, led by quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, were 4-6 in the South division.
