Although the UFL was created as a stand-alone entity to provide fans with a springtime professional football league, the NFL has already begun reaping the benefits.
How The NFL Benefits From The UFL
In addition to providing a Beta testing environment for new rules, technological advances, and other innovations, the UFL has become an outstanding incubator for player development.
UFL Changing The Rules Of The Game
When the UFL premiered last spring, the goal was innovation and creating a more exciting, accessible fan experience. Because the pace of a UFL game is faster, different rules apply that lead to compelling, down-to-the-wire scoring drives. Throughout the season, close games were frequently decided in the final seconds of a game with a thrilling come-from-behind score. In week ten, three of the four games played were won by a single point.
One of the most exciting new rules is an alternative to the rarely successful onside kick. Offering a lifeline for teams, the rule gives teams the option of retaining possession with a fourth-down play. The team holds onto the ball if they convert on fourth and twelve from the 28-yard line.
Should The NFL Adopt UFL Technological Advantages?
The UFL uses 4k Tru Line technology to spot the ball. Taking full advantage of technological resources, the UFL uses 4K optical tracking cameras to remove the element of human error. With six cameras located throughout each stadium, the spot of the ball can now be measured accurately in real-time and eliminate subjectivity.
The league also implemented other technological advances to reduce barriers between the viewing audience and the on-field action. Adopting the latest audio and video technology, the UFL incorporated parabolic mics, helmet cams, and drones to bring the fans directly onto the playing field.
It was a brilliant move. The “All Access” open microphone, provides fans with a behind-the-scenes window. Fans feel they are on the field alongside the team listening to conversations between coaches and players discussing strategies or sharing excitement over a key scoring drive. In addition, instead of waiting until half-time to speak to a coach, the media has on-field access to players and coaches during the game. Immediately following a big play, sideline reporters interview players still catching their breath and dripping with sweat.
While it’s unlikely the NFL would be willing to allow the media to conduct interviews during games or broadcast conversations between coaches and players, the NFL is already utilizing drone coverage. Hopefully, 4K optical tracking capability for ball spotting won’t be far behind.
Creating A Loyal UFL Fan Base
TV ratings increased last year as word of the league caught on. A new standard of excellence began to emerge, and the quality of the games improved. Fans witnessed an increased level of intensity and superior athleticism. By the end of the season, the UFL had developed quite a devoted following with more than 32 million viewers tuning in. In addition, the league has a strong and passionate social media presence with 283 million views across all platforms.
Although TV ratings exceeded expectations and showed tremendous growth over previous spring football incarnations, the UFL struggled with in-person attendance. When the league was initially announced on December 31st, the first game was scheduled for March 30, 2024. Under a compressed time frame, to open the season in 90 days, the UFL’s focused on the dispersal draft, hiring coaches, holding training camps, and preparing to play. However, that didn’t leave much time to promote and market the league properly.
This year, to increase attendance at the games, the league implemented a new promotional campaign focused on year-round community engagement. To build sustainable local fan bases, the UFL will sponsor more fan-friendly events.
An Incubator For NFL Player Personnel Development
Perhaps the biggest advantage the UFL holds for the NFL is as an incubator for developing personnel. UFL President Russ Brandon sees the league as a developmental pathway for players to gain access to the NFL. This season, 42 players made NFL rosters. Another nine players are already signed to NFL reserve/future contracts for next season.
One of the areas where the UFL has excelled is spotting great talent and nurturing it. Whether it’s the opportunity for consistent weekly play or dedicated one-on-one coaching, athletes who might not previously have been “up to NFL standards” blossomed under the tutelage of UFL coaching.
Two former spring alumnae, Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey and return specialist KaVontae Turpin distinguished themselves among the NFL elite this season and made the 2025 Pro Bowl. Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. It’s highly unlikely that without the experience spring football afforded, these players would have found their way to the NFL.
As an undrafted free agent, the chances of making an NFL roster are slim. Signing with an NFL franchise during training camp is merely an opportunity for a player to prove themselves worthy of a roster spot. But they’re competing against experienced NFL veterans, highly-touted rookie draft picks, and other undrafted free agents. More than anything else, the UFL presents an opportunity for athletes to play the game they love rather than languishing on the practice squad or a team bench hoping for a chance to get in the game.
The UFL Rule Difference
One of the best changes the UFL instituted is full officiating transparency. Fans are afforded a birds-eye view of the penalties as they are confirmed in the Sky Box by the VPs of Officiating, Dean Blandino and Mike Pereira. Watching from above to carefully review the play in slow-motion capture, Blandino and Pereira provide a step-by-step explanation of their decision rationale. The process is a significant improvement that eliminates many of the officiating errors so common in the NFL. If the NFL regards the UFL as a Beta testing site for best practices, this would be a great policy to adopt in the future.
Main Photo Credit: Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK
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