That start-up football league that would supply homes for football players is still around. The UFL just started it's third season with 4 teams located in Las Vegas, Omaha, Sacramento, and Virginia. The UFL is behind it's planned schedule. They wanted to have 6 teams this season and have a major network deal. They have neither. (One team, the Hartford Colonials, suspended operations) The League may not be where they want to be, but to me Week 1 is a sign of hope that success could happen.The first reason is the attendance of the 2 games of Week 1. The first game was the Omaha Nighthawks at the Virginia Destroyers where 15,836 fans showed up to watch a Virginia win. The 2nd game, Las Vegas Locomotives at Sacramento Mountain Lions, had 19,938 fans in Hornet Stadium's seats. The overall attendance, 35,774, is a new record for Week 1, topping the previous record by more then 10 thousand.
The second reason is the teams have great players on every team. The Las Vegas Locos, the 2009 and 2010 Champs, are an example of that. Their quarterback is Rice alum Chase Clement, 2010 UFL Championship Game MVP. DeDe Dorsey is an explosive running back who is used to winning (Won Super Bowl XLI w/ Colts and won 2 UFL Championships w/ Locos) Also on the team is 2-Time NCAA All-American LB Teddy Lehman. WR Eddie Drummond, 2004 NFL All-Pro KR.
The Omaha Nighthawks have more stars. At QB they have Heisman Winners Eric Crouch (2001) and Troy Smith (2006). Jeremiah Masoli (known for getting kicked out of Oregon) is another QB on the roster. Maurice Clarett is a running back on the team and is staying out of trouble. DE Jay Moore is a fan favorite.
Sacramento Mountain Lion are built around Cory Ross. Ross has been on Sacramento since the 1st season in 2009. He is the UFL's all-time leading rusher and receiver and was last year's Offensive Player of the Year. QB Ryan Colburn is a rookie out of Fresno State. SS Jermaine Phillips has won a Super Bowl. LB Maurice Crum is a top tackler.The new team in the league is the Virginia Destroyers. Chris Greisen is the starting QB. RB Dominic Rhodes is a Super Bowl winner and has the experience to lead this team. RB/KR Clifton Smith is a former 2nd Team NFL All-Pro. Keiwan Ratliff, who is also on the team, is a former All-American corner.
All in all, the UFL still has hope even with its financial issues.
