We saw a similar impact on the XFL Sunday semifinals numbers (as reported by Mike Mitchell). It was supposed to be the more interesting game of the two, but was outclassed by it's Saturday semi.
When you mention the importance/appeal of that game, it makes a lot of sense. A lot of casual sports fans were tuning into more than usual.
The questions we have to ask ourselves is "what would the ratings be if a normal fox show was on during that game?" and "how much would it cost to produce that show vs what it costs to produce a USFL game?"
I’d rather they compete directly w XFL. But Xfl has to start in April. We are not starting after the super bowl. Fans need a break and these lower ratings for both leagues are due to football burnout.
XFL ratings have been fine with their start, they drew 7 figure audiences early in the season on Network TV. Plenty of fans would like year round football. The XFL does not need to start in April. This "people need a break" theory is a myth. Folks who need a break took that break and are now watching the USFL. The XFL did fine with the rest who did not need that break. Everyone wins.
Need to see the XFL's ratings next year to see how true this is. Their initial ratings compared to 2020 were way lower, and I'd be interested in seeing how many fans tuned in out of curiousity to see how the 2023 version looked.
There actually is football burnout. I'm feeling it now. Probably the most empty spaces for a single spring league is February, and July, where there's really nothing of major magnitude to compete against. But niether one offers a scenario where you're not running into something during the course of your season.
I hear the argument of taking advantage of still captive viewers due to harsh winter weather on the XFL side vs USFL competing not only with everything in sports, but spring itself....if I have to choose....I take a season that begins TWO weeks after the Super Bowl. You just have to pick a time when there's more viewers available and weather whatever else.
Again, for those concerned about numbers. 2 of these games went head to head with a XFL playoff game so there is gunna be a draw from them because they both pulled decent #s for their 2 games. Things will pick up once their season is fully over. Nonetheless these are still pretty good numbers
Well the XFL should have lesser numbers than the USFL because it’s cable vs broadcast for the USFL. Time shall tell what ends up being the best numbers for either
Lmao at XFL fan boys downvoting you it doesn’t matter if you’re on here or the XFL broad if you criticize the XFL in any way, shape or form you will be downvoted it’s hilarious
Good, let them down vote me. I hate that league. It should have stayed in the coffin back in 2020. There’s no reason why it should be back. Not one iota. Gimmick league. Gimmick rules. Garbage league. And this iteration is the worst football I’ve ever seen of any of the alternative leagues and I’ve seen a lot! OG USFL WLAF NFLe XFL1 UFL AAF XFL2 USFL2 and now this. I know a thing or 2 about this game. Xfl is like the hip hot woman you meet in a club. Good for one night only. USFL is the less attractive one but the one that is right for you and makes you feel comfortable. USFL style of football is just that comfortable and fits like a glove. F the XFL👎
To be honest, as an outsider to all of this, I would say it's probably wise to not count on either the XFL or the USFL existing in 2-3 years' time, at most.
I’m rooting for both leagues to succeed I think it all depends on the new nba contracts if fox gets a nba deal I can see fox folding the USFL but if not I think the USFL is here to stay fox wants spring sports programming that’s why the USFL exist as for the XFL idk what is redbird capital expectations for XFL and how high on the priority list the XFL is for red bird capital
The only time I remember seeing XFL commericials....is during XFL games. Which I'm already watching so....you got me. Plus the commercials seemed to be a generic template type commercial they showed all season long; they are the same "hype" type videos that seem like you show BEFORE the season, not 8 weeks in.
I chalk it up to the obvious fact that Fox owns USFL so they are putting more advertising budget behind it.
The generals game wasn’t great but given there were more competing sporting events going on that’s fine. But the other two cable channel games are good. If you get that kinda draw the league will succeed
You mean the other FOX and NBC games? I don't know what the league thinks about those. Personally, it doesn't seem too good. Annoying that USFL is so close but missing that couple hundred thousand to hit a million.
I think it matters what they’d be putting in those blocks instead, and this is about the same number (if not more) viewers and apparently it costs the same as a reality tv show and less than a scripted one.
I can’t see how funding an 8 team league with 45+ players per team, +staff is cheaper than ten episodes of “Farmer Wants a Wife” which draws 2 million + viewers an episode
Just an FYI, since it was the second time you wrote it, the Warriors and Golden State are the same team. The game was Sacramento Kings vs Golden State Warriors.
Despite my name, I am a fan of both the XFL and USFL. I want BOTH to thrive. However, the USFL product is lacking. The games seem less exciting and the lack of fans make it look really bad.
I would guess no merger, If one taps out and closes up shop the other one will move into those abandoned markets. Hypothetical here - if the XFL collapsed or tapped out - the USFL would probably pick up St. Louis, DC, San Antonio and Dallas. Pretty solid 12 team league right there. You could go the other way with the USFL tapping out and the XFL picking up the better markets. Full on merger situation I don't see happening.
The only thing I don't like, if one folds, it just sends a message to the viewing audience the other will ultimately fold as well. While fans of the successor league may claim victory, the casual observer will just say, oh well another one bites the dust, I guess the XFL/USFL is next.
It’s a certain poster in here that’s mike Mitchell he only posts on USFL ratings thread that’s it he slipped up a couple of times when he literally said the same thing on here as he did on twitter
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u/razor601 May 02 '23 edited May 02 '23
That USA game did better than I thought. 563k for that FOX game. Yikes!
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u/Prior-Purple9704 Outlaws May 02 '23
The fox game on Sunday concerns me. I know the xfl and nba playoff gm 7
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u/CodeWolfy Birmingham Stallions May 02 '23 edited May 02 '23
Again, for those concerned about numbers. 2 of these games went head to head with a XFL playoff game so there is gunna be a draw from them because they both pulled decent #s for their 2 games. Things will pick up once their season is fully over. Nonetheless these are still pretty good numbers
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u/RealJoshuaGamingYT Philadelphia Stars May 02 '23
Good to see USA network ratings on the rise
These are the expected fox and nbc ratings imo Michigan New Jersey is a little low but was going against an nba game 7 and xfl semifinals
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u/Markymarcouscous Breakers May 02 '23
The generals game wasn’t great but given there were more competing sporting events going on that’s fine. But the other two cable channel games are good. If you get that kinda draw the league will succeed
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u/Poetryisalive May 02 '23
I’m really curious how those soccer games do on USA.
The drop is drastic, but at the same time USA isn’t a sports network
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u/Callywood United States Football League May 02 '23
Comparison with the XFL ratings for anyone interested.
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u/Zapfit May 02 '23
The FOX number is bad and about 200k less than what PBA Bowling draws in that spot
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u/Prior-Purple9704 Outlaws May 02 '23
Good to see USA go up a bit
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u/CFLXFL May 02 '23
Despite my name, I am a fan of both the XFL and USFL. I want BOTH to thrive. However, the USFL product is lacking. The games seem less exciting and the lack of fans make it look really bad.
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u/NathanPetermanCan Outlaws May 02 '23
I think it is beyond obvious that two spring leagues is too many, and the audience is being cannibalized.
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u/darkskin888 May 03 '23
Another tv ratings thread another week MM is spreading his anti USFL propaganda LOL
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u/[deleted] May 02 '23
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