CBS Sports Network Signs Deal With UFL

CBS Sports Network and the United Football League announced an agreement today that will bring the four-year-old league’s games to a national television audience.

CBS Sports Network will televise two games per week every Wednesday and Friday live throughout the UFL’s eight-week season, culminating with the Championship game in late November. Coverage kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 19 and Friday, Sept. 21. CBS Sports Network, the cable home of CBS Sports, is available to more than 99 million households across the country.

“We’re very happy to partner with CBS Sports Network in bringing the UFL’s games to football-hungry fans everywhere,” said Bill Mayer, the UFL’s acting Chairman. “CBS Sports has always been identified with excellence in its presentation of football, and the UFL promises to extend that reputation by putting a great product on the field.”

“We’re pleased to partner with the UFL and bring more live football to CBS Sports Network,” said Dan Weinberg, Senior Vice President, Programming, CBS Sports Network. “Fans have an appetite for football at all levels and we’re excited to showcase the UFL.”

The UFL began in 2009. The Las Vegas Locomotives won the first two championships and the William Hambrecht Trophy, named for the UFL founder and Locomotives owner, but were denied a third title last Oct. 21, 2011, when they fell to the Virginia Destroyers. Marty Schottenheimer coaches the Destroyers; Jim Fassel, who took the New York Giants to Super Bowl XXXV, is president, general manager and coach of the Locomotives.

Well-known players who have worn the UFL uniform include quarterbacks Jeff Garcia, Josh McCown, J.P. Losman and Daunte Culpepper, running backs Ahman Green and Dominic Rhodes, kickers Matt Bryant, Steven Hauschka and Graham Gano and kick returner Clifton Smith.