The USFL just dropped a bombshell. After rumors swirled for weeks, the league has officially announced that the Memphis Showboats are returning to the league. Memphis was one of the original teams in the first edition of the USFL.
We are the Memphis Showboats.#ShowTime 🚤 pic.twitter.com/DKHc2S4LEB
— Memphis Showboats (@USFLShowboats) November 15, 2022
This comes at the Tampa Bay Bandits expense, though. Memphis will replace the Bandits in the South, joining a division that features the reigning champs in the Birmingham Stallions.
Now, it’s quite interesting that the USFL decided to make this announcement today. This is no accident, by any means. The XFL is about to make some major moves by designating QB’s to their franchises. The spring football war is in full swing, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The world of spring football is insane. It's supposed to be a monumental day for the #XFL, officially assigning QB's to their franchises.
Well, the #USFL is swooping right in and announcing the return of the @USFLShowboats before the XFL even gets started…bold, bold move. pic.twitter.com/FGgrbxDmB1
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenMI) November 15, 2022
With the Memphis Showboats joining the USFL, the league puts themselves in a position to develop a hub setting in the city. Last week, John Defilippo (New Orleans Breakers newly hired HC) reported that the league will have three hubs for 2023, with Memphis being one of them.
Considering that the USFL plans on putting a hub in Memphis, it goes to show that they believe in the market for the long term. Remember, the AAF was the last spring league to feature a team in the city, with the Memphis Express.
Memphis, TN = Football City 😎
The USFL comes home to Memphis for the 2023 season ‼️🤩 pic.twitter.com/bafCQ6BOUF
— USFL (@USFL) November 15, 2022
The Memphis Showboats will start their season on Sunday, April 16th 2023. Memphis will also host the Houston Gamblers within the hub.
Newly Constructed USFL South
The USFL South Division now hosts these four franchises:
1) Birmingham Stallions
2) Houston Gamblers
3) Memphis Showboats
4) New Orleans Breakers
Memphis Showboats Announcement
Watch the official announcement here:
We have some BIG news coming shortly 👀
Listen in as Executive VP of Football Operations Daryl Johnston shares some exciting new developments around the league ⬇️ https://t.co/rEkcg2aihG
— USFL (@USFL) November 15, 2022
Final Thoughts
What a month it has been for the USFL. After announcing Defilippo’s hiring last week, the league now makes a major move heading towards their 2023 season.
As of right now, it appears as if former Bandits players, staff, and personnel (who are still under contract) will simply transfer to the Memphis Showboats franchise. Todd Haley will now take over for Memphis. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting situation in the USFL.
My favorite play from the 2022 season was______ pic.twitter.com/LEbfZwpaCN
— Tampa Bay Bandits (@USFLBandits) June 21, 2022
Are you psyched for the Memphis Showboats and their return? Do you think this change for the USFL is a smart one? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
