Exclusive Interview: Commissioner Michael Huyghue

UFL Access ^ | 01/29/08

[KevinDavis]

Following my last article on the UFL from the end of October, public news on the league was scarce. An occasional article would pop up on the league but that was about it. I heard lots of rumors and some substantive news from time to time, but nothing I’d feel good about publishing. Finally I had the opportunity to speak with Commissioner Michael Huyghue again on Friday, January 18th.

Initially I pushed the commissioner on why the announcement had been delayed and when it would occur. Huyghue revealed that the initial announcement had been delayed because unlike past attempts they did not wish to announce a league and their host cities without solid agreements in place. Past efforts would often announce without owners or stadium deals lined up, which is usually a harbinger of the failure to come. The same will not be said about the United Football League.

The announcement will come the first week of February, with the only thing left to determine is whether they will have six or eight teams in year one. They have six teams locked down with ownership groups and stadium deals in place and are working feverishly to line up the other two so they can go with eight teams from word go. “I will confirm that the league will be geographically balanced – half east, half west,” commented Commissioner Huyghue wryly when I asked if he were willing to confirm the team locations I had been hearing from the rumor mill.