Will there be any fan specific attractions or player interaction during training camp?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our practices and training camp will be open to the public.  Fans will get to have an up-close-and-personal look at the team as they prepare for the "Premiere" season.

Commish, will ticket prices be attainable for those of us that would love to bring the family to a pro game without braking the bank?

Commissioner Huygue Response:

Our average ticket prices are $20 so that a family of four can attend for less than $100.  In today's economic climate, affordable entertainment is of utmost importance and we are hoping to encourage a new generation of fans to attend their first live professional football game.

Will there be live chats every week to discuss the league

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

It our goal to be as interactive with our fans as possible and we will try to do chats on a regular basis.

Are there any groups out of Portland, Oregon showing any interest in get a team?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Portland is a great sports town.  It was part of the original group of 18 that we originally discussed as "Premiere" cities and will continue to look at that city for expansion.

The league announced that VERSUS will carry all games. Is VERSUS available on most cable or satallite providers?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

VERSUS is available on most cable and/or satellite providers.  VERSUS is on DirectTV (channel 603) and the Dish Network (channel 151 in NY area).

This may seem strange but as much as I love football.... are their any jobs available in your league online??

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are interested in quality professionals both on and off the field.  If you are interested in being part of the League, please submit your resume to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.

VERSUS is covering the games.... I have not heard of it and do not see it on the DIRECTV lineup. How do I find out about them?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

For more information about VERSUS, please visit its website at www.versus.com.

How you plan to serve and/or integrate the Latino market?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Diversity is of utmost importance to us and is apparent in all that we do.  We are trying to be diverse in ownership, executive personnel and on every level of the League.  We have already retained a multicultural affairs consultant.  We have made the Latin community a priority in terms of our marketing efforts and will have a specific outreach to those markets that we will be hosting teams in.

I saw a question about keeping interest on the East Coast, but my more major concern is the Middle of the US, where a UFL game will be up to 1000 miles away. It's going to be hard to keep interest in cities like Little Rock, Memphis, San Antonio, etc. What is your strategy for this?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

There is no question that we are looking at all of those markets mentioned for expansion. The NFL is currrently in less than 30 of the top 50 markets so there are many cities that we would look to expand to.  Interest will be generated for us through the community and the stadium availability.   We will utilize all of our resources, including our interactive website, to keep those fans who are not in close proximity to a game still connected to our League.

Thank you for the information to my question. Would the leage be referred to as a minor league to the NFL? or does the leauge want to eventually be as big?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL is not a minor league because there is no affiliation to the NFL.  We are currently a stand-alone League although our players will have the ability to go back and forth between the two.  The experience gained by the players will only give credibility to our League when they take those skills to the NFL.  Down the road, there may come a time when there is a more formal relationship between the UFL and NFL but at this time we are two independent enterprises.

Will you sell normal league merchandise  such as shirts, hats, jerseys, etc. 

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Traditional merchandise, along with some innovative products, will be available from our Premiere Season at our venues during games and online beginning with our kickoff in October.

1) Do you think you will be in the position to announce the 2010 teams by/during the 2009 season? 2) What cities are currently in the mix?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Yes, we expect to announce 2-4 expansion teams by the 2010 season. We may make that announcement during the season or during the Championship weekend.  Hartford and Los Angeles seem the most likely and that is why we are playing games there this season.  We will make a determination during the season.

hi michael. long time friend of frank vuono's and new fan of the UFL. congratulations on the VERSUS deal and signing some great coaches. what's your strategy moving forward with regards to signing players? do you go after NFL castoffs? wait until the NFL draft and see who slips through the cracks? make a play for Vick? as your new league is all about accessibility, i'm curious to hear your thoughts. cheers & good luck.....brian.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are primarily going to be signing players from NFL rosters during this year's training camp season.  The coaches will also sign street free agents and veteran players as they become available from NFL rosters.  Next year, we will be conducting our own draft.  Players like Vick will be evaluated throughout the course of the year and we will include fan input.

How much influence will fan input have on team names, logos and colors and who will make these final decisions?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We will be holding another live chat next Sunday at 8:00 with the League's COO Frank Vuono who can discuss more about the process of selecting team names, logos and colors.  We hope you can join us.

Do you think there will be a team formed in North or South Carolina?

Commissioner Huygue Response:

There are many cities that are desirable in those two states, especially in the Raleigh-Durham area and we will be considering them when we look to expand.

Will the rules in the UFL be the same as the NFL?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount.  We are going to have similar rules to that of the NFL with some minor enhancements that are still being discussed.

Commissioner I am a huge football fan, but I am really getting tired of reading about NFL players getting arrested and having off field problems. Is the UFL going to take steps or measures to help keep their players out of trouble off the field?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL was created to give players a chance at succeeding on the playing field.  However, we will not be a haven for habitual offenders.  We plan on comprising our rosters with quality players looking for the opportunity to play professional football.

I was a season ticket holder for USFL and World footnall league for the Knights and generals in new jersey. I am currently a new giant season ticket holder. What stadium will closest tem be from NJ.. Also where will championship be played

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We have not announced where our New York team will be playing but plan to do so soon.  Our Championship Game will be played over Thanksgiving weekend in Las Vegas.

Mr. Commissioner, If the UFL is successful, would you consider becoming a part of the NFL as a AAA league like major league baseball does where the NFL and can send/receive players back and forth for development? This, in my opinion, would help to build a market place in cities like Hartford where they could send teams to their "parent" team the New England Patriots. I am moving to Maine in August and I can't wait to drive to Hartford to catch a game. Thank you for this new league.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

It is certainly possible that the UFL may ultimately enter into a formal relationship with the NFL.  Much depends on how we progress as a league and how credible the product becomes.  If, as we anticipate, more quality back-up players improve their skills in our league then there will likely be a useful role for them in the NFL.

THE UFL SAID IT WAS GOING TO TARGET CITIES THAT DO NOT HAVE AN NFL TEAM. WHY THEN ARE THERE TEAMS IN SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK CITY?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Both San Francisco and New York have a rich sports history and devoted fan following.  In San Francisco, we are playing at AT&T Park which in the heart of the city, while the other teams are not as centrally located.  With both NFL teams playing in New Jersey, there are now no teams playing in New York City or on Long Island where the Giants and Jets once played.  Our New York team will draw fans from the five boroughs, Long Island and Westchester who may have no other options but to go to New Jersey to watch professional football.

How will the team naming process work? Will you review the entries and determine the best name (kind of like with these questions)? Or will there be some sort of online poll? Oh, and "Orlando Greyhounds," please. :)

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Selecting team names, logos and colors is a process and an intricate one at that.  We are going to be scheduling another live web chat with our COO Frank Vuono who will explain the process so that our fans better understand all that goes into the league branding process.  We will not expect any announcements on branding until summer, at best.

Hi Mr. Commissioner, Will UFL teams be owned by the league centrally, like Major League Soccer?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Currently, the League owns one half the teams and the individual owners own one half the teams.  If the owners elect to sell equity in the clubs through an IPO, then the League will own a third, the owners will own a third and the public will own a third.

The English Premier League has a feature for top games where there's an alternate channel where a fan of each team would announce the game (accompanied by a scroll of fans texting or e-mailing some playful trash talk). espn already is copying the scroll part for Tuesday night college football, but not have fans announce. Do you plan on offering fans to announce on alternate audio feeds or online? If so, I want the Orlando team! :)

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Dennis, this is a very reason why we want our fans to be a part of our league.  This is a very interesting idea and I will certainly share it with our marketing and media departments.  Thanks!

What is the time frame for signing players? It seems like it will be cutting it close in terms of signing players and having a full training camp.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Most of the players we sign from the NFL rosters will have already completed training camp with NFL clubs.  This will accelerate the learning curve for UFL teams as we will not have to get players into "football shape".

I have been a football fan since the days of the 1960 's Packers great teams (before the merger).. When the AFL started in 1960, nobody thought they could make it and compete with the NFL. Well the rest is history. Although the UFL is not competing with the NFL I believe there is room for another professional football league. I am a CPA that has run my own small prectice for 25 years. I have not worked with any sports franchises , but my love of sports has always peaked my interest in getting involved. Is there any room for a person like myself to become a part of an exciting new venture such as the UFL in any part time paid or volunteer capacity.Your response would be greatly appreciated.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Ira, it is definitely great when you can combine your passion for sports with your profession.  We are seeking professional skills at the highest caliber on the field; however, we are always looking for talented individuals in our front offices.  If you feel you may make a good addition to our team, please send a resume to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.

Michael-I like the idea-best of luck-when will we will be hearing about the assistant coaches for each team? Also-is there an age limit in this league?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Most of the team’s coaching staffs have been hired.  Over the next few months, our coaches will be visiting with the media in their respective cities and plan to make announcements at that time.  The age limit is 30 but the head coaches retain several wildcard roster selections.

Commissioner Huyghue, I have coached football for 28 yrs (offensive line) most recently in the S.E.C. with Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State University. I know football talent when I see it. My son, Lance Fremin signed with Miss. State then transferred to McNeese State University when Coach Sherrill left Miss. State. He is a center and long snapper and a very good football player! At 6'1'' 305 he runs a 5.16 40 yd dash. He compares favorably to A.Q. Shipley of Penn State currently ranked 6th best center in the country by the NFL. Lance is more athletic and quicker than Shipley, his combine numbers are better in some areas and in others very close to Shipley, yet because he played at a smaller school (McNeese State University) he is not receiving as much interest from the professional leagues as he should be. My question is: "Is the UFL going to evaluate talent from smaller schools and give them an opportunity to play at the professional level? Also, what can he do to get a tryout with the UFL?" Thank you and I wish you the very best with the new league!! Coach Jerry Fremin

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

If we conduct workouts, they will be held in cities where the UFL will play during its "Premiere" season.  Our scouts and coaches will put participants through Combine type drills (40-yard dash, vertical jump, agility drills, bench press, interviews and position specific drills).  The information will be posted on our website, along with video, and fans will be permitted to vote as well.

In regards to ticket prices I've heard it said a few times that tickets will be $20. Is this a firm "one-price fits all seats" number or is it a general figure, or perhaps a targeted average? Would $20 be for the end zone seats, while better sideline seats may be more? Please expound on this. Thanks!

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

One of the primary goals of this league is to provide affordable tickets so that ALL fans can enjoy a professional football game.  Our average ticket price is $20 which means there will be tickets that are both higher and lower.

Congratulations!!! Extremely excited about all prospects of covering, promoting, viewing, and enjoying what is by far my favorite sport, on the professional level. Like so many of us for whom having the choice of more Professional Football vs. less is a "NO-BRAINER"...! Haters, angry critics and complainers flip to another channel, go bake something nice or take a nap - having the choice of more (created jobs, fans, opportunities, revenue, development, growth and enjoyment) doesn't have to be about you... but it's a wonderful and exciting dream come true for so many others. So relax and simply let us do our (passionate) thing.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Thanks for your passion for our League.  We agree that there is more than enough pro football to go around and look forward to an exciting kick-off in October.

Hello Commissioner, I was wondering if any scouting for UFL players will be done at games for minor league playrs such as the NCFL in northern California? Thanks

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our scouting will primarily cover NFL street free agents and players released from training camp.  We are considering open tryouts in our local markets but a final decision has not been made.

Comish, First off congrats , and I hope that this turns into a great venture for all of us. Secondly, I being in law enforcement, have grave reservations with your plans to possible have a team in Mexico. The unstable areas in the region, will have fans hesitant on going to the region, and will become a possible target for these "fortune 500" drug dealers that want an event to attend. Please consider a midwestern area maybe Kansas City, Oklahoma City, or the Great State of Texas. Thanks for hearing me out and God Bless

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Tadd, thanks for your question.  You bring up some very valid points.  International expansion is something we are definitely considering as we know there are rabid football fans worldwide.  We will take all aspects into consideration when selecting expansion cities.

Dear Commissioner, When do " we " players start to recieve interest from the UFL? Will there be a scouting department to contact us?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We will begin contacting players in June. We have already assembled a scouting department that is primarily evaluating NFL Rosters. You should definitely submit your information on our website.

The Versus tv plans sound good. Are there any plans to broadcast any games nationally on radio?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are very excited about our television partnership with VERSUS and are currently in discussions on a national radio partner.

When will assistant coaches be announced?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Most of the team’s coaching staffs have been hired.  Over the next few months, our coaches will be visiting with the media in their respective cities and plan to make announcements at that time.

You are starting with four teams. How many teams would you LIKE to see the league get to? In otherwords when would you stay STOP to expansion? Also, how many expansion teams will be joining in the next few years? Thanks, David

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

David, thanks for your question.  It is important that we do not expand too quickly and that our current teams are fiscally sound to ensure the longevity of the league.  We have already received commitments from two potential ownership groups for Year Two.  The plan is to launch our “Premiere” season with 4 teams, expand to 6-8 teams in Year Two and then evaluate our ownership/team status prior to Year Three.

Can a person be a part of the UFL league with no NFL experience? What experience is required to be apart of the UFL league?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Jeremiah, the UFL is a league of opportunity for players and personnel, alike.  We are seeking professional skills at the highest caliber on the field; however, we are always looking for talented individuals in our front offices.  If you feel you may make a good addition to our team, please send a resume to jobinquiry@ufl-football.com.

The question i have for you is what date will the teams in the UFL start trying out player before the signing day?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are still discussing whether we will be holding open tryouts and encourage you to keep checking the website for further information.

How do you plan on keeping the interest in fan from the east coast this season? With 3 of the 4 teams coming for the west won't it be difficult to build a fan base in the east?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Bob, our four teams are spread throughout the country –  New York, San Francisco, Orlando and Las Vegas with games also being played in Hartford, Los Angeles and potentially Sacramento.  It is our goal to promote ourselves in the markets we will be playing and to attract a national audience through our television partnership with VERSUS.  We will also utilize our interactive website to provide all UFL fans with instant access to our league through live streaming video of our games, blogs, text alerts, and fantasy football.

Congrats. Michael. for offering what appears to be a high class alternative to the NFL. What will be the price points for tickets.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

One of the primary goals of this league is to provide affordable tickets so that ALL fans can enjoy a professional football game.  Our average ticket price will be $20.00 for all UFL regular season games.

My question to you is: Are these coach's going to be in this league for the long haul or are they just waiting for another NFL Opportunity to come along?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our coaches are excited to be working in the UFL.  At this week’s press conference, Coach Cottrell was even choked up about the opportunity being afforded to him as a head coach and wanted to be able to do the same for up and coming players.  The coaches are here for the long haul and have agreed to multi-year agreements.

Your Predessors-the WFL, the USFL, the AFL and XFL-have all failed in getting the attention of football fans. What makes you believe that you can succeed in the United States and as a challeneger to the NFL?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Good question.  First, we are not trying to challenge the NFL but rather complement it.  There are an abundance of players out there who simply are not getting the chance to play and develop their on-field talent.  We want to provide that opportunity while also providing fans with affordable, accessible and entertaining alternatives.  We have studied the prior leagues and plan to take on some of their best practices while avoiding some of their mistakes that ultimately led to their demise.   It is important to note that some of these alternate leagues were successful in creating a fan base and attracting them in large numbers to the games.  We are being very realistic in our projected attendance numbers.

Where is the Orlando team going to be playing their home games? What will the team name be?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are in final negotiations with a venue in Orlando.  We will be announcing our agreement shortly.  Our preference is to play in the Citrus Bowl.

When will the players find out they have been picked for try-outs? I love the UFL already! Great work on this

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Johan, we will begin contacting players in June. 

I'm an aspiring student studyiing sports management and I love football and live in Michigan. What are the possibilities of a franchise coming to our state that is so desperately looking for an alternative to the product we now have in Detroit? We also have a stadium, the "Silverdome", that is just sitting there wasting away. It would be great if such a possibility could arise for our state and build a new tradition of football.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Barton, thanks for the question.  We are definitely open to expansion after our “Premiere” season and have already received commitments from two potential ownership groups.  We are going to look at cities throughout the country, especially those that do not have professional football.  From 1992-94, I was Senior VP of the Lions and we played all of our games at the Silverdome.  We like Detroit as a UFL city but need to consider all our options.  We also want to make sure that we do not expand too quickly and that our current teams are fiscally sound to ensure longevity in the league.

when you can announce team name. also why not low a ticket like $10-15

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Please read my previous responses for the answer to your first question.  Regarding your second question, we believe a $20 ticket price for a professional football game featuring NFL caliber coaches and players is very attractive to an American family as a family of four can go to a game for less than $100.  An average ticket price of $20 means that there will also be tickets available for less money.

Can former NFL players that will not be in 2009 NFL training camps be eligible for the 2009 UFL inaugural season?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Yes,  but the vast majority of players will come from 2009 NFL Rosters.  Coaches can also sign a certain number of "wildcards" who they may know from prior years.

You say you are going to target mostly players cut in nfl training camps this year. I am a player who went to NFL camp in '07 only to suffer a season ending injury. I would like another shot in the NFL and your league seems like the perfect pipeline. If you only offer oppurtunites to players who are already getting a look in NFL training camps this year how do you expect to find success stories like Kurt Warner's? How can an impact player like myself who fell through the cracks because of injury get a chance to prove again that I can play at that level if your primarely looking at only this years crop?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Craig, I am sorry for your misfortune in 2007.  Unfortunately, your story is shared by many current and former NFL players.  Situations like your is one of the reasons why we are excited about starting the United Football League (UFL).  It will provide professional football players with the greatest gift in sports, “a second chance”.  As I mentioned earlier we will also pursue NFL street free agents in addition to players released in training camp.  I would encourage you to visit our website and fill out our player registration form.

Will the team's coaches and players be wired. Like the XFL and NFL Europe did?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We plan on being a technologically advanced league.  Having mic’s on players and coaches is in our plans.

When and where will we be able to buy jerseys, hats, and other merchandise, to help support our local team?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We hope to have merchandise from our “Premiere” season available at our venues during games and online on our website beginning with our kick-off in October.

WHEN WILL YOU RELEASE WHERE TEAMS WILL PLAY AND WHAT THE TEAM MERCHANDISE WILL LOOK LIKE ?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are in the process of finalizing all of our stadium agreements.  On Wednesday, we announced that the San Francisco franchise will be playing at AT&T Park and we hope to have other announcements over the coming weeks.  See previous answers on team merchandise.

We know that A got madden for a few more years do you plan to go talk with take-two & 2K sports about making UFL Video Game for the Future? Because I thing it would be a cool thing to go up fight EA & NFL with your own Pro Football game to take on madden game along with take-two on your side. Thank You

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Our marketing department is in talks with several potential corporate partners, including video game manufacturers.  Although a video game in our “Premiere” season will be difficult due to timing issues, it is certainly an area we plan to explore aggressively in year two.

Goodevening Commissoner Huyghue. My qestion is players that are a year or two out of college what are chances for them the opportunity to play in this league? Thanks!

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL will be a league of opportunity for players, veteran and new.  I would encourage you to submit your information via the website.

Is the UFL's plan to become a minor league or a developmental league to the NFL in the future?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL’s objective is to provide fans with affordable, innovative and entertaining professional football in markets that are currently underserved while allowing players the opportunity to develop their skills.  If these players end up moving to the NFL, it only benefits both Leagues and ultimately the fans.

Where and when will the New York team play?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently in discussions with various stadiums for NY, Las Vegas and Orlando and will be announcing them shortly.

Will the UFL have open tryouts? If so when will they be held and how do you register? Thank you kacopeland@live.com

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are in the process of determining the feasibility of open tryouts in our “Premiere” season markets. Please continue to check our website for any announcements on tryouts as this will be one of the primary tools we use to announce the date, time and location.

I have heard many reasons for why Portland Oregon should not have a team from it is to close to Seattle and even that it is to close to San Francisco so is there a shot the Portland can be one of the 12 cities have a team

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

In an earlier question, I mentioned that we do plan to expand but in a systematic way that makes fiscal sense.  We will be looking at a variety of cities but can’t comment at this time which ones we may expand into.  The most realistic cities for expansion right now are Hartford, Los Angeles and Sacramento.

When will you have try outs for the teams?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

For the “Premiere” season, the players will be selected primarily from the final cuts of NFL rosters, NFL street free agents and practice squad players.  UFL teams will select players with regional affiliation.  For example, the San Francisco team will have first rights to players from the NFL AFC/NFC West rosters.  We may also have some open try-outs in the markets we play this season.  We are still reviewing the logistical matters.

Have you taken into account the ever growing number of fantasy football fans and how appealing will the UFL be to the fantasy football fan? One of the ways the UFL can enhance their appeal to fantasy football players is thru the use of online applications that provide the stats, data and analysis in an easy to view manner. It would be great if the helmets had a GPS device that would allow the aforementioned applications to track the movement of the players on the field. While a fan may not become too familiar with the players around the league, the fantasy football experience would be an integral part of the UFL experience for the fans. You've mentioned the UFL is a league of opportunity. Well, this is an opportunity to add to the fantasy football experience which can only add value to your league. I look forward to your innovations and a great product on the field.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL is definitely interested in fantasy and is currently exploring how to best integrate this component into our overall game plan.  We are already in negotiations with equipment manufacturers on having a GPS chip placed in the ball to better track its location and are working on other innovations to the game which will benefit the fan while still maintaining the overall integrity of the game.  We are also in discussions with a number of companies that host some of the largest fantasy football sites about creating a first in its class interactive site for our fans as well as hosting in-stadium events exclusively for fantasy UFL fans.

First, a toast to you and the UFL family... So far everything is moving along smoothly. I am excited and can't wait to see the New York??? play the Orlando??? ... Bringing me to my 1st question, it's a 2parter- Please remind me, all of us, when the decision will be made for the naming(nicknames) of the franchises? and can the fans submit drawing/renderings for the logos or how they want their respective teams to look? 2nd question- Maybe this is taking fan interaction to far but I was curious, would you consider letting the fans have a voice in who their respective teams pick in the UFL draft? I figure since the we fans always scream about who they want their teams to pick and scream bloody murder when their guy doesn't get picked maybe they could take part in a few picks for their team via text or e-mail. Lastly, it's not a question but a pitch for the first UFL slogan on your Thursday night & Friday night programing... " This is the United Football League... Uniting Families for the Love of the Game" - in the commercial two players will run down the field carrying a family on a couch!... I can't wait for October.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Alfred, these are all creative and interesting ideas.  I like the slogan. I encourage all our fans to continue submitting their ideas as we finalize our strategies moving forward.  Fans will also get to vote on players who participate in any open tryouts we host.

What is the likely time frame for either play or a team in Sacramento, California? The WFL and CFL both had teams here. Kay Stephenson was the coach.

 Commissioner Huyghue Response:

In our “Premiere” season, we are hoping to have our San Francisco team play one of its home games in Sacramento.  We are currently working with the stadium on scheduling, taking into account our TV schedule, to try to make this happen.  Also, Coach Haslett was one of the coaches of the Sacramento team in the World League that won a Championship.

Will players be coming up from other leagues or trying out as well as coming from undrafted rookies?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Majority of our players in our “Premiere” season will be NFL street free agents, practice squad players and players released from training camp in August.  In our second season, we plan on providing opportunities for players who are back-ups on an NFL roster who will not have the opportunity to play unless injuries occur to the individuals in front of them.

Will the league have a link on its site for player and coach transactions which will be updated at the end of every business day so fans can keep up with all four teams' movements, like the af2 site has?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Yes, once the league begins to sign players we will have a feature on our site that will allow fans to view all player transactions.  We envision our website to be a “one stop shop” destination for UFL fans where you can purchase tickets, order officially licensed merchandise, acquire stadium information for game day, interact with league executives and coaches, watch live games and ultimately participate in fantasy football.  We will also be introducing an alert feature that will pop up on the site to notify of breaking news.

Hi commissioner Huyghue, My name is Tyree Wilson and I coach in a semi-pro league in CO. I coach for the Cobras in the Colorado Football Conference. My question is how serious will you look at coaches in the semi-pro ranks that want to move up in the coaching world and get coaching experience at the next level. Because I want to get that experience and knowledge. Thank you Tyree

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

Thanks Tyree.  I would encourage you to reach out directly to our head coaches as well as including information on our website.  Many of the assistant coaching positions have been filled so most likely consideration will be for next season.

When Los Angeles joins the leauge, where will they play ?and what city will their offices reside in? I would like to inquire about employment with the franchise.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

In our “Premiere” season, we are hoping to have our Las Vegas team play one of its home games in Los Angeles.  We are currently in discussions with several stadiums, taking into account our TV schedule, to try to make this happen.  To answer your second question, we are accepting resumes through our jobinquiry@ufl-football.com e-mail and are responding to those who may be a good fit for the League. 

I would like to know if there is any update on player salaries, and what will be the maximum / minimum salary a player can make?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

On a per game basis our minimum salaries will be equal or greater to NFL practice squad salaries, while our maximum salary will be equivalent to the NFL four year minimum salary.

TO MAKE THE UFL MORE APPEALING. I THINK A MORE FAN FRIENDLY APPROACH IS GREAT. TRY GIVING PRIZES FOR FANS WHO PICK TEAM NAMES AND LOGOS.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The UFL is going to be all about you, the fan.  We are exploring a variety of programs and enhancements so that the fan truly feels they have been part of the process.  With regards to the team name campaign, we will recognize the winners and provide them with an exciting reward opportunity.

I'm sure that as commissioner, and a former NFL exec., you've heard all of the questions and comparisons to the former USFL and their undoing by going head to head with the NFL with regards to dates of the season (August-now Feb.). Aside from a shorter schedule, what makes you think the outcome of the UFL will be any different than the USFL.

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The USFL's early success was due to a strong on-field product driven by quality players and talented coaches.  The USFL's ultimate demise was lack of a sound business plan and vetting of owners that were willing to sustain multi-year losses in the formative years which are common with any start-up.  The UFL has taken the best practices from the previous leagues and is trying to implement structures and controls such as salary caps, revenue sharing, and committee decision-making so that all parties are working off the same page and ultimately contributing to the League's overall success.  The other important factor is that unlike the USFL, we are playing in the Fall not the Spring.

IS THERE A CHANCE THAT THE UFL COULD HAVE A TUESDAY NIGHT GAME TO BOOST POPULARITY?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

In our “Premiere” season, our games will be televised live on VERSUS on Thursday evenings.  We are also planning to air our games on Friday evenings on regional networks.  At this time, we don’t have any plans to play on other days.  Our Championship Game will be played on Thanksgiving weekend on a yet-to-be announced date.

Is the league considering using corporate sponsors for the team names? What are the odds we see the Memphis Express playing on a UFL field in 2010?

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are considering all of our options with league and the fans best interest in mind.  Once our strategy is finalized the UFL fans will be the first to know.

will ufl team have team names for example new york kings or las vagas sinners

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

The process of naming and branding teams does not happen overnight.  It is a very long and thorough process with ramifications across all aspects of our league.  We have hired one of the most experienced and knowledgeable executives in the sports marketing business, Frank Vuono, to lead the charge for our team and league branding initiative. We are taking recommendations from all parties involved including our executives, coaches, uniform manufacturers, sponsors and most importantly, you the fans. 

what companies are providing all or some of the league apparel/compression gear. Are their still opportunities

Commissioner Huyghue Response:

We are currently in discussions with several uniform and equipment manufacturers.  If you are interested in speaking with someone in our marketing department on this specific category, please send an email to info@ufl-football.com.