On-Field Differences Between the XFL and the USFL
Most of the rules that the XFL and the USFL follow on the field are the same, but here are some of the major differences between how these two leagues of pro football teams will play:
Teams / Divisions / Rosters:The XFL is made up of 8 teams split into two divisions (North and South), each team with a 51-man active roster; the USFL is made up of 8 teams split into two divisions (North and South), each team with a 50-man roster with 40 active and 10 inactive players on game days.
KICK OFFS: in the XFL they kick off from the 30 and only the kicker and returner can move until the ball is caught or after the ball has been on the ground for at least three seconds; in the USFL kickoffs take place from the 25-yard line and the ball is live once it travels 20 yards.
RECEPTIONS: In the XFL, they will play by college rules and players will need to maintain possession with only one foot inbounds for a catch to be considered legal; in the USFL, a reception requires two feet and possession of the ball just as it does in the NFL.
PATS:After an XFL TD, teams can go for one point from the two yard line, two points from the five-yard line, or three points from the 10-yard line; after a USFL TD, teams can kick for one point from the 15-yard line or run a successful scrimmage play from the two-yard line for two points or from the ten-yard line for three points.
CHALLENGES: XFL coaches will be given one challenge per game, but it can be about any possible play including judgment calls; USFL coaches are allowed one replay challenge per game with Replay Command at FOX Sports Control Center in Los Angeles making all replay decisions.
ONSIDE KICKS:The XFL allows onside kicks but in the 4thquarter they also have the option to convert a fourth-and-15 play from their own 25 to retain possession and keep the offense on the field; the USFL allows onside kicks and in the 4th quarter they also have the option to convert a fourth-and-12 play from their own 33 yard line to retain possession and keep the offense on the field.
OVERTIME: In the XFL, tied games at the end of regulation will result in alternating attempts from the opponent's five-yard line; USFL overtime involves a shootout in which each team's offense runs a play against the opposing defense from the two-yard line, three plays each, and each successful scoring attempt receives two points. Ties after that result in sudden death until a winner is declared.
XFL vs USFL: Revenue
Which League Makes More Money: the XFL, or the USFL?
TBD.
During the XFL’s shortened 2020 season, that league reportedly earned $20 million. Their current season is underway, so all revenue won’t be tallied and reported until well after the Championship game is played on July 2.
The USFL's estimated annual revenue after one season is reportedly $7.5 million, that number bound to increase over time as the league grows and evolves. Money issues tend to be spring football’s biggest enemy, so expect both leagues to maximize their return.
How Does Each League Distribute Its Revenue?
The XFL’s new ownership group is made up of wrestler turned actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, IFBB professional bodybuilder Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital.
If there is revenue made in 2023, it will go to them.
The USFL is owned by a company called National Spring Football League Enterprises Co, LLC, which is reportedly a joint venture between Brian Woods and Fox Sports. Any revenue generated by that league will go to them.
Which Is More Profitable, the XFL Post-Season or USFL Postseason?
The USFL postseason.
But that’s only because the XFL in 2023 has not had a postseason yet but it will begin after all ten games of the regular season are played. The XFL semifinals are scheduled to take place on April 29 and 30 and the league championship will happen on Saturday, May 13.
The USFL’s 2022 Division Finals attracted almost 2 million viewers and averaged a 0.65 rating while the Championship game had 1.52 million viewers and scored a rating of 0.9, promising numbers for a league’s inaugural postseason.
Which Teams Are Worth More, XFL or USFL?
Tough to say.
In 2020, the ownership group led by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson reportedly purchased the XFL and all its teams for $15 million (plus over $9.2 million in debts and payments) – and that was just hours before an auction could take place.
In the USFL, no team has an individual owner. Instead, FOX Sports owns each team under a subsidiary known as National Spring Football League Enterprises. FOX Sports has reportedly committed $150 million over three years to operate the league, with outside investors also being sought.
Which League Is More Internationally Driven, the XFL or the USFL?
The XFL may be relatively new, but according to its marketing it promises to bring a “global professional football league with innovative rules and an enhanced 360-game experience” to fans across the globe.
For the USFL’s inaugural 2022 season, it presented its games in more than 130 countries worldwide. NBC Sports and FOX Sports presented a live, 14-game USFL schedule internationally, including both semifinal playoff games and the championship game.
Expect those efforts by both leagues to be met with open international arms as the world continues to fall more and more in love with watching (and betting on) the game of football.
The Eight Teams of the XFL
South Division
- Arlington Renegades
- Houston Roughnecks
- Orlando Guardians
- San Antonio Brahmas
North Division
- D.C. Defenders
- Seattle Sea Dragons
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- Vegas Vipers
The Eight Teams of the USFL
North Division
- Michigan Panthers
- New Jersey Generals
- Philadelphia Stars
- Pittsburgh Maulers
South Division
- Birmingham Stallions
- Houston Gamblers
- Memphis Showboats
- New Orleans Breakers
