Another 1980s comeback story? USFL wants to return in 2022

The United States Football League is attempting a comeback.

Details were scarce, but in a statement Thursday, the USFL announced it will return in the spring of 2022 and will target having at least eight teams. Information on cities, teams, head coaches, and game schedules will be announced at a later date, the league announced.

FOX Sports owns a minority equity stake in the company that owns the USFL and will be the league’s official broadcast partner.

“I’m extremely passionate about football and the opportunity to work with FOX Sports and to bring back the USFL in 2022 was an endeavor worth pursuing,” said Brian Woods, co-founder of the new USFL and founder and CEO of The Spring League.

“We look forward to providing players a new opportunity to compete in a professional football league and giving fans everywhere the best football viewing product possible during what is typically a period devoid of professional football.”

The original USFL existed from 1983 to 1985, starting out as a 12-team league and would feature such quarterbacks as Doug Flutie, Jim Kelly, and Steve Young. Future president Donald Trump was the owner of the New Jersey Generals for two years. The Oakland Invaders were one of the league’s charter members, playing all three of their seasons at the Coliseum.

Declining attendance and television ratings, the free-spending ways of some teams and Trump’s ill-conceived push to move the season to the fall to compete directly will the NFL all played a role in the USFL’s demise.

In 1985, the Invaders, among the financially strapped teams, merged with the Michigan Panthers, forming one of the league’s best teams that reached the USFL Championship game, only to lose 28-24 to the Baltimore Stars.

It was the last USFL game ever played. The league won an antitrust lawsuit against the NFL in 1986 but was awarded only $1, which was trebled, according to antitrust law, to $3. The total, with interest, came to $3.76.

The new USFL announced it was retaining the rights to key original team names. The league will also use the same red, white and blue stars-and-stripes logo it did nearly 40 years ago.

“The relaunch of the USFL is a landmark day for football fans and FOX Sports,” said Eric Shanks, CEO and Executive Producer, FOX Sports. “Football is in our DNA and the return of this innovative and iconic league is a fantastic addition to our robust slate of football programming.”

Information from the Associated Press contributed to this story.