The Spring League#Teams

The National Football League (NFL) has not had an official developmental league since 2007 with NFL Europe.{{cite web | url=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/04/spring_leagues_roster_shows_va.html | title=Spring League's roster shows variety of backgrounds for players trying to catch NFL's eye | publisher=al.com | date=April 9, 2017 | access-date=August 29, 2017 | author=Inabinett, Mark}} Several other developmental leagues unaffiliated with the NFL have arisen, such as the FXFL, Gridiron Developmental Football League, and the Rivals Professional Football League.

On September 2, 2016, the FXFL, after two abbreviated seasons of operation, announced it had suspended operations in hopes of finding a more effective business model.{{cite news|url=http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/sports/2016/09/02/hudson-valley-fort-not-return/89787236/ |title=Hudson Valley Fort will not return |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2016}}

A developmental league continued to be an internal NFL discussion as of December 2016 with a decision deadline of February 2017.{{cite news|last1=Clayton|first1=John|title=Spring league kicking off 4-team, 3-week development plan in April|url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18334913/spring-league-aims-develop-nfl-free-agents|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=ESPN|date=December 23, 2016}}

Like the FXFL, The Spring League was built upon the concept of serving as a second opportunity to allow players to advance to more established professional leagues,{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/19304002/is-spring-league-nfl-springboard-least-shot |title=Is Spring League an NFL springboard? It's at least a shot |publisher=ESPN |date=May 6, 2017}} yet The Spring League had some prominent differences from the FXFL. While The Spring League's core player was around 24 years old, it also took in experienced professionals, which the FXFL discouraged. All four teams were brought to one location, and at first not have distinctive identities or home cities/franchises (this began to change beginning in 2019). Rather, the games are more showcases for the NFL and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts in the spring and summer months.

Unlike the FXFL, which paid a per-game stipend for its players, The Spring League paid only for room and board. Woods said that the lack of payment is out of financial necessity.{{cite news|first1=Natalie |last1=Weiner |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2707260-in-the-shadow-of-dak-prescott-welcome-to-the-nfls-league-of-last-chances |title=In the Shadow of Dak Prescott: Welcome to the NFL's League of Last Chances |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=May 10, 2017 |access-date=August 29, 2017}} To be eligible to participate in the league, a player may not be under contract with a pro league nor be eligible for the current year's draft. Players must also pay a $350 application fee.{{cite news|last1=Jones|first1=Lindsay H.|title=Greg Hardy headlines NFL castoffs headed to Spring League|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/03/22/greg-hardy-spring-league-players-rosters-kellen-winslow/99507580/|access-date=August 29, 2017|work=USA Today|date=March 22, 2017|language=en}} By 2019, the application fee had jumped to $2000, as players now also had to cover room and board as part of the fee; players with professional experience are exempt from this fee.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/football-tsl/football-the-spring-league-finds-secret-sauce-to-survival-idUSL1N2MQ0XT|title=The Spring League finds 'secret sauce' to survival|first=Steve|last=Keating|work=Reuters|date=May 3, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2021}} Players must also cover their own health insurance. The league also assists in developing NFL referees.

The Spring League earns additional revenue from a subsidy that the state of Texas provides to hold its events there, as well as from organizations seeking to test equipment and rules changes. In 2019, the XFL served as The Spring League's largest revenue source, paying the league "six figures" to test-run its rulebook, a payment that allowed The Spring League to turn a profit that year for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/spring-league-finds-secret-sauce-175812844.html|title=The Spring League finds 'secret sauce' to survival|date=3 May 2021 }} In October 2020 the league reached a multi-year agreement with FS1 to televise The Spring League along with the option to acquire a minority stake in the league.{{Cite web|url=https://empireproleague.com/aboutandcamp/|title=Fox Sports reaches agreement with The Spring League}}

{{main|2017 The Spring League season}}

CEO Woods founded The Spring League in early 2016.{{cite news|last1=James|first1=Marty|title=County Football Insider: Spring League Showcase July 15 at Napa Memorial Stadium|url=http://napavalleyregister.com/sports/college-and-pro/county-football-insider-spring-league-showcase-july-at-napa-memorial/article_8529f5e3-4796-5263-9eef-f0b6aabb9f6d.html|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=Napa Valley Register|date=July 8, 2017|language=en}} On December 22, 2016, SiriusXM NFL Radio initially reported the league as being owned by the NFL, but retracted that by the end of the day.{{cite news|title=Report: NFL Free Agent Spring League Starting in 2017|url=http://www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/report-nfl-free-agent-spring-league-starting-in-2017-122216|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=FOX Sports|date=December 22, 2016}} The NFL informed its teams of the league's existence and its plans to operate from April 5 through April 26, 2017. The Spring League's 2017 season consisted of a four-team, three-week single round-robin tournament in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia at The Greenbrier resort in April, and a two-team "Showcase" game in Napa, California in July. The teams in each tournament were only identified with vague geographic names such as North, South, East, West and California. A game streamed on Facebook received 60,000 views while a practice received 30,000 views.

Coaches with long NFL or College experience included quarterback coach Terry Shea, Steve Fairchild, Donnie Henderson, Dennis Creehan and Art Valero (offensive line).{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/03/30/donnie-henderson-terry-shea-among-spring-league-coaches/|title=Donnie Henderson, Terry Shea among Spring League coaches|date=30 March 2017 }}{{cite web | url=https://woay.tv/coaches-expect-players-capitalize-spring-league/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829220459/https://woay.tv/coaches-expect-players-capitalize-spring-league/ | archive-date=2017-08-29 | title=Coaches Expect Players to Capitalize in Spring League | publisher=woay.tv | date=April 14, 2017 | access-date=August 29, 2017 | author=Digby, Matt}} For the April games, the league had four teams and 105 players. Its players included NFL veterans Fred Jackson, Anthony "Boobie" Dixon,{{cite news|title=Former Bills RB Fred Jackson to participate in Spring League|url=http://www.wkbw.com/sports/bills/former-bills-rb-fred-jackson-to-participate-in-spring-league|first=Nick|last=Filipowski|work=WKBW-TV|date=June 19, 2017|access-date=June 20, 2017}} Ben Tate, Greg Hardy, Ricky Stanzi, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Ahmad Bradshaw. The players ranged from two to 10 years out from college.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../1923854314559675/?type=3|title=2017 Spring League roster - NORTH|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../1923854337893006/?type=3|title=2017 Spring League roster - SOUTH|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../1919721241639649/?type=3|title=2017 Spring League - Training Camp Roster pt.1|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../1919721261639647/?type=3|title=2017 Spring League - Training Camp Roster pt.2|website=Facebook }}

The league indicated two CFL and 10 NFL teams had their scouts visit the league while another 20 made requests for video footage. Following the April games, roughly two dozen players were invited to NFL rookie mini-camps. The Carolina Panthers picked up six for their rookie mini-camp.

After the first season, NFL scouts seemed to like the league structure but otherwise gave mixed responses. Value was perceived by scouts as they got updated information on forgotten players or saw a player with a conditioned arm, but otherwise the talent level was below what NFL teams expected for an established developmental league. Some scouts expected younger players that had been to a couple of NFL training camps but in the wrong system. Woods indicated that the older and big names brought attention to the league, which has a secondary purpose of providing a veteran annual showcase.

On July 15, 2017, the Spring League Showcase was held at Napa Memorial Stadium in California between Spring League California, coached by Terry Shea and Spring League East, coached by Donnie Henderson.{{cite news|last1=Florio|first1=Mike|title=Fred Jackson is getting his wish, sort of|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/06/19/fred-jackson-is-getting-his-wish-sort-of/|access-date=August 29, 2017|work=ProFootballTalk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=June 19, 2017}} Flofootball.com's FloPRO subscription service streamed the game.{{cite news|last1=Talbot|first1=Ryan|title=How to watch Spring League Showcase featuring former Buffalo Bills Fred Jackson and Boobie Dixon|url=http://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/index.ssf/2017/07/how_to_watch_spring_league_showcase_featuring_former_buffalo_bills_fred_jackson.html|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=NewYorkUpstate.com|date=July 15, 2017}} David Ash started the game for the California roster and lead several scoring drives. He had 96 passing yards and 9-of-13 passing, including a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Dixon with an interception and 3 runs for a total of 10 yards with his longest for 9 yards. For the East, two quarterbacks, Casey Pachall and Trenton Norvell, made touchdown passes. Pachall completed 4-of-6 passes for 84 yards and a 67-yard touchdown. The game's top rusher was Paul Harris of the East team, who rushed twice for 74 yards and a 6-yard touchdown. East defeated California 23–19.{{cite web|last1=Travis|title=Spring League Showcase Player Stats |url=http://www.flofootball.com/article/59154-spring-league-showcase-player-stats |website=FloFootball |publisher=FloSports |access-date=August 31, 2017 |date=July 19, 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.flofootball.com/video/5857466-spring-league-showcase-full-game-replay#.WW0xjNPytPN|title=Spring League Showcase Full Game Replay}}

{{main|2018 The Spring League season}}

The league had try-outs in various cities in October and November 2017 and February 2018.{{cite news|last1=Florio|first1=Mike|title=Spring League to conduct tryouts in multiple cities this fall|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/20/spring-league-to-conduct-tryouts-in-multiple-cities-this-fall/|access-date=February 14, 2018|work=ProFootballTalk|publisher=NBC Sports|date=August 20, 2017}} On December 7, 2017, The Spring League announced it would play its second season in Austin, Texas beginning in late March 2018. The league was also to have a football-specific tech forum and a joint internship program with the University of Texas’ Center for Sports Leadership & Innovation.{{cite news | url=http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/football/statesman-exclusive-nfl-spring-league-heads-austin-for-2018/nrFredE7NzNlmxmVJ4JS0M/ | title=EXCLUSIVE: NFL Spring League heads to Austin for 2018 |work=Austin American-Statesman | publisher=Cox Media Group | date=December 7, 2017 | access-date=December 8, 2017 | author=Lyttle, Kevin}} Turner Sports announced in mid-January 2018, while the league games would be on its new streaming service B/R Live, the league was also finalizing a deal to practice and play games at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.{{cite news|last1=Lyttle|first1=Kevin|title=Turner Sports will live-stream pro football venture in Austin|url=http://www.mystatesman.com/sports/football/turner-sports-will-live-stream-pro-football-venture-austin/bKjedRcZ3E7Srv5JiDj2ZL/|access-date=January 26, 2018|work=American-Statesman|date=January 18, 2018|language=en}} On February 14, the league announced the signing of Heisman Trophy winner and former Cleveland Browns first round pick Johnny Manziel to the league playing on the South team. Games were to be played on April 7 and 14.{{cite news|last1=Nathan|first1=Alec|title=Johnny Manziel to Join the Spring League Scouting Event Amid NFL Comeback|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2759285-johnny-manziel-to-join-the-spring-league-scouting-event-amid-nfl-comeback|access-date=February 14, 2018|work=Bleacher Report|date=February 14, 2018}} Other former NFL commitments to the league were former Cleveland Browns first round pick Kellen Winslow Jr. and former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro.{{cite news|last1=Durkee|first1=Travis|title=Johnny Manziel commits to The Spring League showcase|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/johnny-manziel-spring-league-nfl-comeback/1cx8e95usmajo10bwow10h5szy|access-date=February 14, 2018|work=Sporting News|agency=Omnisport|date=February 14, 2018|archive-date=February 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023653/http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/johnny-manziel-spring-league-nfl-comeback/1cx8e95usmajo10bwow10h5szy|url-status=dead}} On March 3, the league did not execute on the contract to play the 2018 season at the Circuit of the Americas and instead announced events to take place at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock, Texas.{{cite web |url=http://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/circuit-of-the-americas-punts-spring-league/269-524991213 |title=Circuit of the Americas punts Spring League |work=KVUE |date=March 3, 2018|author=Livengood, Paul}}

Following the April games another "Summer Showcase" was announced for July 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2165816313696806/?type=3|title=2018 Showcase Roster pt1|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2165816303696807/?type=3|title=2018 Showcase Roster pt2|website=Facebook }}

The Spring League announced a "Fall Showcase" for Miami, Florida to take place November 6–9, 2018, which was intended to prepare players for the then-future AAF and XFL, which were set to play winter/spring seasons.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thespringleague.com/2018/08/10/spring-league-expands-showcase-offering-amid-record-demand/|title=The Spring League Expands Showcase Model Amid Record Demand|date=August 10, 2018}}

{{main|2019 The Spring League season}}

For the 2019 season, The Spring League partnered with the XFL to test rule changes the new league hoped to implement for its own 2020 season. One rule change, originally proposed by Pro Football Talk in 2017, was replacing overtime with a two-point conversion shootout occurring simultaneously at both end zones with five rounds in the TSL.{{cite news |last1=Florio |first1=Mike |title=Spring League returns with revolutionary overtime idea |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/07/spring-league-returns-with-revolutionary-overtime-idea/ |access-date=April 10, 2019 |work=ProFootballTalk |publisher=NBC Sports |date=April 7, 2019 |language=en}} Also tested was the tap rule, which allows a referee to send a player to the sideline for less than a penalty level offense.{{cite news |last1=Florio |first1=Mike |title=Spring League tests XFL "tap" rule that sends players to sideline |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/04/08/spring-league-tests-xfl-tap-rule-that-sends-players-to-sideline/ |access-date=April 10, 2019 |work=ProFootballTalk |date=April 8, 2019 |language=en}} Both rules and the kickoff formation were later implemented in the XFL. The Spring League was also hired by the XFL to hold three mini-camp style tryouts. With this revenue source, the league's revenue exceeded one million dollars and would have its first profitable year. The two leagues were in preliminary discussions of the Spring League becoming the XFL's official development league.{{cite news |title=Unique Revenue Streams, Elimination of Costly Expenditures Keys to The Spring League's Success |url=https://www.si.com/johnwallstreet/sports-business/the-spring-league-xfl |access-date=February 25, 2020 |work=Sports Illustrated. John Wall Street |publisher=Maven |date=July 30, 2019 |language=en}}

2019 season practice began March 31, 2019 with double headers on April 6 and 11, 2019. Each of the four teams played two games.{{cite news |last1=Halliburton |first1=Suzanne |title=Ex-Baylor star Shawn Oakman tries to revive career in Spring League |url=https://www.statesman.com/sports/20190406/ex-baylor-star-shawn-oakman-tries-to-revive-career-in-spring-league |access-date=April 10, 2019 |work=Austin American-Statesman |date=April 6, 2019 |language=en}} For the first time, one of the teams had a brand name; the Austin Generals (formerly South) was named after its host city of Austin, Texas, and used the logo and colors of the former New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League.{{cite web |url=http://www.thespringleague.com/2019/03/18/spring-league-unveils-austin-generals-homage-host-city/ |title=The Spring League Brands Team as Austin Generals in Homage to Host City |publisher=The Spring League |date=March 18, 2019}} The remaining three teams retained their generic North, East and West brandings.

The league held its two "Summer Showcases" in partnership with the XFL{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2391349684476800/?type=3|title=#TheSpringLeague and the XFL are teaming up again for not one but TWO SoCal Showcases this summer.|website=Facebook }} - the first in June in Mission Viejo, California{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2397071373904631/?type=3|title=2019 June Showcase roster pt1|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2397071420571293/?type=3|title=2019 June Showcase roster pt2|website=Facebook }} and the second on July 30 in Long Beach, California, 2019 with 100 pay-to-play players in a four-day camp and a six quarter scrimmage.{{cite web|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/rosters-revealed-for-the-spring-league-july-showcase/|title=Rosters revealed for the Spring League July Showcase|date=30 July 2019 }} XFL executives and coaches and ESPN and Fox staff were on hand to view rule tests and in-game technologies, with the broadcaster giving feedback on how it would effect broadcast coverage.

A "Fall Showcase" was held in September in Marietta, Georgia,{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2469357360009365/?type=3|title=The Spring League September Showcase Roster pt1|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2469357403342694/?type=3|title=The Spring League September Showcase Roster pt2|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2469357446676023/?type=3|title=The Spring League September Showcase Roster pt3|website=Facebook }} and in November they held another showcase in Miami, Florida.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2518012575143843&set=pb.100044617951030.-2207520000..|title=The Spring League Showcase in Miami, Florida: Offence|website=Facebook }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2518012621810505/?type=3|title=The Spring League Showcase in Miami, Florida: Defense|website=Facebook }}

{{main|2020 The Spring League season}}

For 2020, TSL played a showcase game against the Japan national American football team at the Ford Center at The Star March 1,{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/1834445640167210/photos/pb.100044617951030.-2207520000../2622385674706532/?type=3|title=Here is #TheSpringLeague's official roster that will be taking on 🇯🇵|website=Facebook }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD5WbedjQL4|title=2020Japan vs The Spring League|website=YouTube }} and the main competition March 7 and 11 at Sam Boyd Stadium.{{cite news |first=Myles |last=Simmons |title=Spring League coming to Las Vegas in March |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/raiders/spring-league-coming-to-las-vegas-in-march-1957870/ |access-date=February 25, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 14, 2020}} The designated home team (formerly West) was dubbed the Las Vegas Hughes, named after Howard Hughes, who spent much of the end of his life as a recluse in Las Vegas.[http://www.thespringleague.com/?p=5466 The Spring League Las Vegas @ Sam Boyd Stadium: Tickets ON SALE NOW! - The Spring League] Mettenberger agreed to return as a quarterback.{{cite news |last1=Froyd |first1=Crissy |title=Former LSU QB Zach Mettenberger looking forward to getting back to football for The Spring League |url=https://lsutigerswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/21/former-lsu-qb-zach-mettenberger-looking-forward-to-getting-back-to-football-for-the-spring-league/ |access-date=February 25, 2020 |work=LSU Wire |publisher=USA Today Sports |date=February 21, 2020 |language=en}} The registration fee for The Spring League's March 2020 season in Las Vegas was $2,100.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=132|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122170207/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=132|url-status=dead|archive-date=2021-01-22|title=Frequently Asked Questions}}

The league was able to get most of its abbreviated 2020 season completed just before social distancing mandates tied to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States took effect, shutting down effectively all in-person sports in the United States.

The league held its annual Summer Showcase in July in Glendale, Colorado with a total of 85 players{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1284150805164171264|title=TSL Denver Showcase: Game Day Roster}} and another 25 staff members and medical personnel participated. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic all players had to go through 14-day self-quarantine before camp and all meetings were conducted in a video conference.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29503078/spring-league-completed-four-day-showcase-last-week|title=Spring League completed four-day showcase last week|date=20 July 2020 }}

{{main|2020 The Spring League Fall season}}

In October 2020 FS1 reached a multi-year agreement to televise The Spring League along with the option to acquire a minority stake in the league, with initial agreement to play a 6-team fall-season in late October and November 2020.[https://awfulannouncing.com/fox/fox-sports-will-televise-the-spring-league-football-games-this-fall.html Fox Sports will televise The Spring League football games this fall] The league began its fall season on Oct. 27 with six teams competing in what was intended to be a 12-game format over four weeks in a bubble environment,{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29638025/spring-league-become-first-utilize-bubble-concept-football-six-team-october-tournament-las-vegas|title=The Spring League will be first to use bubble concept in football for October tournament in Las Vegas|date=11 August 2020 }} based out of the San Antonio Alamodome. Fox Sports 1 aired games on Tuesday and Wednesday. The league stated that this time the players did not pay to attend,{{cite tweet |author=The Spring League 🏈 |user=TheSpringLeague |number=1326600541330415616 |date=November 11, 2020 |title=@JustinAaronUH91 Players are not paying to attend #TSL2020. |language=en |access-date=December 23, 2020}} but Woods later explained that some players did pay, while select others did not.{{cite news | url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-league-week-3-coaching-changes-covid-rumors-addressed/| title=The Spring League Week 3: Coaching Changes, COVID, Rumors Addressed|work=XFL News Hub| date=November 13, 2020 | author=Davis, Josh}}

All six teams had brands and names, including the returning Generals{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5808|title=Generals 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101001409/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5808|archive-date=2020-11-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-league-2020-the-generals-roster-breakdown/|title=The Generals Roster Breakdown|date=27 October 2020 }} (originally from Austin), Aviators{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5809|title=Aviators 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031115827/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5809|archive-date=2020-10-31}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/tsl-preview-aviators-soaring-high-with-expectations/|title=Aviators Soaring High With Expectations|date=27 October 2020 }} (re-branded from Las Vegas Hughes), and four new teams: the Blues{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5806|title=Blues 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101072942/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5806|archive-date=2020-11-01}}{{cite web |url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/the-spring-league-2020-the-blues-roster-breakdown/|title=The Blues Roster Breakdown|date=15 October 2020 }} (modified from the FXFL Blacktips), Alphas{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5788|title=Alphas 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101061505/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5788|archive-date=2020-11-01}}{{cite web |url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-league-2020-the-alphas-roster-breakdown/|title=The Spring League 2020: The Alphas Roster Breakdown|date=15 October 2020 }} (a wolf motif), Conquerors{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5807|title=Conquerors 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101045706/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5807|archive-date=2020-11-01}}{{cite web |url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/the-spring-league-2020-conquerors-roster-breakdown/|title=The Conquerors' Roster Breakdown|date=16 October 2020 }} and Jousters.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5810|title=Jousters 2020 Roster|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101060349/https://www.thespringleague.com/?page_id=5810|archive-date=2020-11-01}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-league-2020-jousters-depth-chart-projections/|title=Jousters Depth Chart Projections|date=27 October 2020 }}{{Cite web|url=https://unwrappedsports.com/2020/11/15/finding-diamonds-in-the-dark-tsl-jousters/|title=Finding Diamonds in the Dark: TSL Jousters}}

In November 2020, amid the then-resurgent COVID-19 pandemic, TSL announced that the league would be cancelling the final week of the season. The top two teams met in the final on December 15, at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Generals finished as the first TSL champions, after beating the Aviators 37–14 in the final.{{cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-leagues-generals-win-the-2020-championship/|title=The Spring League's Generals Win the 2020 Championship|date=16 December 2020 }}{{cite web|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/generals-roll-past-aviators-in-dominating-tsl-championship-performance/|title=Generals Roll Past Aviators In Dominating TSL Championship|date=16 December 2020 }}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1339048118080446464|title=2020 champions}}

{{main|2021 The Spring League season}}

In March 2021, TSL announced that they reached a partnership agreement with Stephen Austin's American National Combines,{{cite web|url=https://www.anccombines.com/|title=American National Combines Official Site}} and were to hold tryouts for the first time in league history.{{cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/the-spring-league-to-hold-tryouts-for-first-time/|title=The Spring League To Hold Tryouts For First Time|date=8 March 2021 }} They also declared that players who were on an active roster during TSL's fall 2020 season were not required to participate in the tryouts.{{cite web|url=https://www.tsl.anccombines.com/|title=TSL Combines}}{{cite tweet|number=1369088599787008006|user=TheSpringLeague|title=Players wishing to participate in...|date=9 March 2021}} In April, TSL announced the 2021 season was to start on May 6, and would feature two new teams – the Linemen and Sea Lions (eight teams in total), competing in a six-week regular season from two hub cities: The North Division in Indianapolis, Indiana and the South Division in Houston, Texas.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31202500/the-spring-league-expanding-eight-teams-six-week-schedule-starting-6|title=The Spring League expanding to eight teams, six-week football schedule|newspaper=Espn.com }} For the first time, one game every week will be broadcast on Fox including the championship game, while all other games will be broadcast on FS1 and FS2.{{Cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/pr-the-spring-league-football-makes-broadcast-television-debut-saturday-may-8-on-fox/|title=PR: The Spring League Football Makes Broadcast Television Debut Saturday, May 8 on FOX|date=14 April 2021 }}

The Linemen beat the Jousters 26–23 in the first and only Mega Bowl, and won the TSL championship.{{Cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/the-spring-league/pr-the-linemen-win-the-2021-the-spring-league-mega-bowl/|title=The Linemen Win the 2021 The Spring League Mega Bowl|date=20 June 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/the-spring-league-mega-bowl-championship-game-recap/|title=Mega Bowl Championship Game Recap/Highlights|date=19 June 2021 }} Linemen QB Ryan Willis won both final{{cite tweet |author=The Spring League 🏈 |user=TheSpringLeague |number=1406376593979740161 |date=June 19, 2021 |title=M V P 🏆 https://t.co/Ija5toVEhq |language=en |access-date=September 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630103648/https://twitter.com/thespringleague/status/1406376593979740161 |archive-date=June 30, 2021 |url-status=live}} and regular season MVP awards.{{cite tweet |author=The Spring League 🏈 |user=TheSpringLeague |number=1407876754597986306 |date=June 23, 2021 |title=He left no doubt. The #TSL2021 MVP is Linemen QB Ryan Willis (@RyanWillis14)! ⚡️ 🎨: @AlmanzaStudioz https://t.co/18EUhBxdW6 |language=en |access-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624014234/https://twitter.com/TheSpringLeague/status/1407876754597986306 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |url-status=live}}

On June 3, 2021, Woods announced that he had acquired the remaining extant trademarks of the United States Football League with intent of launching a USFL-branded league in 2022, with Fox Sports remaining as a partner in the new USFL.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/presspass/latest-news/2021/06/03/united-states-football-league-returns-2022|title=The United States Football League Returns in 2022|date=June 3, 2021}} What was to become of The Spring League remained, at the time, an unresolved question, but according to the initial announcement TSL was to continue,{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2021/06/03/the-usfl-is-officially-back/|title=The USFL is officially back|first=Andrew|last=Marchand|date=June 3, 2021}} probably as a scouting showcase or developmental operation. It was later reported that TSL was no longer associated with the new USFL.{{Cite web|title=The Spring League Reportedly No Longer Associated with the New USFL|url=https://usflnewsroom.com/news/the-spring-league-reportedly-no-longer-associated-with-the-new-usfl/|website=usflnewsroom.com|date=19 October 2021 |language=en}}

On February 18, 2022, Woods stated that TSL was "no longer operational",{{Cite web|date=2022-02-18|title=Roy S. Johnson: USFL football VP knows 'first season is everything'|url=https://www.al.com/sports/2022/02/on-cusp-of-usfls-new-incarnation-uncertainty-still-looms-first-season-is-everything-says-football-vp.html|access-date=2022-02-18|website=AL.com|language=en}} but later reports indicated that it will continue as a business although the football operations are suspended.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-18|title=USFL 2.0: This Time, Sports Betting, TV Could Drive Success|url=https://ggbnews.com/article/usfl-2-0-this-time-sports-betting-tv-could-drive-success/|website=ggbnews.com|language=en}}

In June 2023 it was announced that Woods was planning to launch a 11-on-11 spring football league for high school players called the Prep Super League.{{Cite web|title=Ex-USFL prez launching spring league for high school players|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/37805484/ex-usfl-prez-launching-spring-league-high-school-players|website=ESPN|date=6 June 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Inside the ambitious idea for AAU football with Prep Super League founder Brian Woods|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2023/6/8/23752838/aau-football-prep-super-league-brian-woods-interview-teams|website=SB Nation|date=8 June 2023 |language=en}} Games were be played from April 19 through May 24 with teams located in Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, and Tampa.{{Cite web|title=Former USFL President Brian Woods launching Spring high school football league|url=https://highschoolfootballamerica.com/former-usfl-president-brian-woods-launching-spring-high-school-football-league/|website=highschoolfootballamerica.com|date=6 June 2023 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Brian Woods Set to Launch High School Spring League|url=https://usflnewsroom.com/news/brian-woods-set-to-launch-high-school-spring-league/|website=usflnewsroom.com|date=6 June 2023 |language=en}} Players were to pay a player development fee and provide their own insurance to participate.{{Cite web|title=Will this work? Former USFL president proposing spring high school football league|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/news/UWRVSmrMekC6sGO7dbyUIA/will-this-work-former-usfl-president-proposing-spring-high-school-football-league.htm|website=MaxPreps.com|date=9 June 2023 |language=en}} Isos Capital Management is one of the league's investors.{{Cite web|title=Former USFL boss eyes Texas for 'AAU' football league despite potential roadblocks|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2023/06/07/former-usfl-boss-eyes-texas-for-aau-football-league-despite-potential-roadblocks/|website=dallasnews.com|date=7 June 2023 |language=en}}

{{small|Teams active at the last league season.}}

{{small|{{note label|MD|*}} Before the 2020 Fall season, no official champion were named by the league.}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|www.thespringleague.com}}

{{The Spring League}}

{{American football in the United States}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Spring League, The}}

Category:American football leagues in the United States

Category:Sports leagues established in 2017

Category:2017 establishments in the United States