The USFL is coming back in 2023 and this time they’ll have a team in Memphis.
The second version of the pro football league will play its second season, starting in April, and this year’s slate of teams will include the Memphis Showboats. It’s not an expansion team, however, but instead a rebranded version of the Tampa Bay Bandits, who played in the league’s inaugural season.
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
“Well, we’re home,” Daryl “Moose” Johnston, USFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, said in an announcement video. “We know Memphis fans have seen other football leagues come and go. But the USFL has already proven that we have staying power,” Johnston said. “Being here today to make this announcement is proof of that long-term commitment to professional football fans.”
The Showboats will play at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in 2023 and feature a lineup that includes former Memphis Tigers quarterback Brady White. Todd Haley, who led the franchise to a 4-6 record last season, returns as head coach.
The original version of the Showboats played in the original USFL in 1984 and 1985. They were notable as the team that future Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White and pro wrestler Lex Luger played for.
Along with the Showboats, Memphis will also serve as the host city for the Houston Gamblers during the 2023 season.
The initial USFL season was a bit of a mixed bag, but as we prepare for the second year, there were some strong reactions to the news that pro football was returning to Memphis.
OH HELL YES https://t.co/t5z1UBNwNT
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) November 15, 2022
I love it https://t.co/p8wtf9FGDK
— Zach Brunner (@FantasyFlurry) November 15, 2022
New Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim just dropped. https://t.co/FyDUUBMKbn
— Michael Schwartz (@MikeMSchwartz) November 15, 2022
RIP to the Bandits. We hardly knew ye.
I mean, like really, hardly knew… https://t.co/uEuudvQRGO
— Sean Barie FOX 13 (@SeanBarieFOX13) November 15, 2022
The Memphis Showboats are back. Sunday April 16, 2023 is first game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium as part of USFL spring season. Todd Haley is the head coach. Brady White is a QB on the roster. The Houston USFL team will also be based in Memphis this season pic.twitter.com/yUjexz0sDb
— Mark Giannotto (@mgiannotto) November 15, 2022
[Fox Sports, Commercial Appeal]
