Upstart League UNFL Hopes To Serve As Feeder System For NFL

Connecticut-based entrepreneur Marvin Tomlin has launched the upstart United National Football League (UNFL), a new pro football league set to begin next January that plans to "serve as a 'minor league' to the NFL," according to Katie Thomas of the N.Y. TIMES. Tomlin will serve as CEO of the league, which will offer a "second chance to college players who show promise but are not selected" by a NFL or CFL team. Tomlin said that the UNFL season would run from January-April, with games to be played in college stadiums. UNFL franchises cost $1.5M, which includes the salaries for 60 players, and Tomlin said that the league has "solidified deals with three owners." He expects eight teams to be in place by the end of May. Tomlin said that he is "negotiating with the NFL Network about televising the games," but an NFL spokesperson "would not confirm that." Thomas reports the league today is expected to name former NFLer Joe Cribbs as commissioner. The UNFL joins the All American Football League and the United Football League as "alternative football leagues in development" (N.Y. TIMES, 4/24).