Earlier today we reported that the USFL posted a couple job listings over the weekend; which after taking a closer look seemed to confirm Birmingham, AL as the leagues central hub in 2022.
It was last month that the USFL broke their silence and announced their first set of hires and revealed all eight team names and logos. When these broke, the league also officially confirmed that they will play out of a central location, without mentioning where. Prior to this news, there were numerous reports that the league would land in Birmingham. Even going as far as securing funding and finalizing a deal.
With the latest job listings, we now know that the plans haven’t changed.
Now it seems we’re waiting for an official announcement from the USFL on the location. Until then, it seems we have some more news to report on the subject.
According to Birmingham Business Journal, the Jefferson County Commission is set to discuss cash incentives for the USFL’s use of Protective Stadium next year.
If the resolution is approved, Jefferson County will pay up to $500k to the BJCC to cover their previously approved costs to house the league in 2022.
Under the agreement, if approved, Jefferson County will pay an amount not to exceed $500,000 to the BJCC as reimbursement for a portion of its uncovered costs associated with allowing the USFL to use the stadium at no cost for the USFL’s 2022 season.
In October, the USFL signed a non-biding memorandum agreement with the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center for the league to use Protective Stadium. Shortly after this, reps from the city of Birmingham and Jefferson county estimated the costs, and ultimately secured the amounts needed to host the league in 2022.
The deal that was proposed in October would see Birmingham host all eight teams in 2022, with as many as four in 2023. The idea would be that all teams would relocate to their respective cities by the leagues third season. Additionally, the city of Birmingham would receive two spots per game. Considering that all of the games are set to be aired on FOX, this is a huge opportunity for the Magic City.
Throughout the discussions, we learned that city reps believe that hosting the USFL at Protective Stadium in 2022 could generate an estimated $15M for the community.
Although it hasn’t been confirmed by the USFL just yet, all signs point to the league playing in Birmingham, AL next April.
Do you plan on tuning into the USFL in 2022? Will you travel to a game in Birmingham? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
