UFL Ramps Up Local Growth and Tech Innovation in Year 2
As the United Football League (UFL) enters its second year, the league’s head of football operations, Daryl Johnston, outlines a forward-thinking strategy centered on elevating local market growth and integrating cutting-edge technology into the sport. “Get more fans in the stands,” Johnston emphasizes, expressing a vision to build community ties and boost attendance across diverse home markets. According to FOX Sports, these efforts are part of the UFL’s broader aim to secure its foothold in the competitive landscape of professional football, balancing growth and innovation.
Cultivating Fans in Home Markets
Despite the impressive 34,000 average attendance of the St. Louis Battlehawks, other teams lagged, averaging just over 10,000 per game. Johnston noted the challenges of the HUB model, with teams only appearing in home cities five times annually. To counteract this, each team will now operate a permanent business marketing team in their home city, akin to minor league baseball teams, staying connected to local fans year-round.
Revolutionizing the Game Through Technology
Embracing technological advancement, the UFL has established the Football Advancement through Sports Technology (FAST) division. Innovations include body cameras, computer vision for player tracking, and smart footballs to enhance officiating and viewer experience. Two to four players per game will don body cameras, offering fans an unprecedented view of on-field action, while the collaboration between FAST and FOX Sports promises to revolutionize broadcasts with real-time augmented graphics.
Enhancing Broadcast and Fan Engagement
Television viewership saw a 34% increase last season, a testament to the league’s growing popularity, with 1.6 million viewers tuning into the 2024 UFL Championship Game. This season, the introduction of a Friday night TV window on FOX aims to further expand fan engagement, strategically placed to avoid clashing with major spring events like the NCAA tournament.
A Future-Ready UFL
Johnston emphasizes the UFL’s ongoing commitment to innovation and engagement, with a steadfast focus on community and player development. “The biggest thing is just giving us another option in the spring,” he remarked, highlighting the league’s adaptability in navigating a busy sports schedule while maintaining its unique offering. This blend of technology, local immersion, and strategic media presence positions the UFL to thrive in its sophomore year and beyond.
