Shortly before the USFL kicked off, an entity calling themselves “Real USFL LLC” filed a lawsuit against FOX and the new league claiming they did not own the rights to the USFL and associated properties.
They argued that FOX could have created a new football league with a new name and new teams, and by such it shows that the old license had value.
FOX is trying to reap where it did not sow and profit from confusion among fans of the real USFL, by claiming the legacy of something it didn’t build.,” says Nicholas Matich of the McKool Smith law firm, which represents the Real USFL LLC, the organization of former USFL owners and executives. “The Real USFL is acting to protect the legacy of the players, owners, coaches, and staff of the historic league. Quite simply FOX is claiming to be something that it’s not—the heir of the 1980s league that launched numerous hall-of-fame careers and changed the game of football.”
The lawsuit didn’t stop FOX and the new USFL from hitting the field and subsequently finishing their debut season. With season 2 in the works, it looks like there is good news on the horizoin.
The lawsuit between FOX and Real USFL LLC case has been dismissed with prejudice, with each party to bear its own costs.
Sounds like the #USFL and the Real USFL, LLC have reached a settlement.
(H/T: @stljakeh)
— Seth “Collector of Footballs” Lessans (@TujuMaster) August 22, 2022
Notice of voluntary dismissal by the plaintiff. pic.twitter.com/i5gwfUEAK4
— Seth “Collector of Footballs” Lessans (@TujuMaster) August 22, 2022
A dismissal with prejudice means that the ruling is the final judgment in the case. The dismissal prohibits the prosecutor from refiling the charges. In a dismissal without prejudice, the prosecutor can refile the charges (or file new charges based on the same circumstances) at some future time.
This is great news for the USFL as they work towards hitting the field again in 2023. With this lawsuit behind them, some are hoping to see more of the leagues history come into play.
We’ve reached out to league representatives on the situation and they’ve released the following statement:
The parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement, and plaintiff dismissed its case. The USFL is looking forward to another great season in the Spring.”
Other than the case filings and the statement, there’s not much to be known on the details of the settlement. None the less, the “Real USFL” saga is now in the rearview, and all eyes are on season 2 and beyond for FOX and the new USFL.
What changes would you like to see next season in the USFL? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
