Almost three months after the UFLPA and USW walked away from the UFL, we have a new union. The UFPA (United Football Players Association) has officially been voted in by the players – and recognized by the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) as the players union for the UFL 2025 season.
Developing: According to @UnitedFBPlayers on Instagram, they’ve been voted in by the players – and recognized by the NLRB – as the official player’s union for the 2025 #UFL season.
This comes after the @UFLPA & USW withdrew from their position with the UFL this offseason. pic.twitter.com/hCs2EI9qHN
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) October 11, 2024
Two years ago, unions were introduced to spring football. The USFLPA was voted on by the players in the USFL for the 2023 season, while the XFL did not have a union of their own.
This led to a crossroads when the two leagues merged. As the UFL formed itself, there was discussion – and disagreements – among many of the athletes on both sides. Ultimately, the UFLPA earned enough votes and was established – essentially branching off of what the USFLPA was.
The UFLPA was responsible for working with the UFL this past season, to ensure that players were treated fairly. While things went smoothly for the most part, there were a couple of issues throughout the season. Most notably, the UFL did not hold up their original agreement for player of the week awards – which created some drama midway through the season.
Statement on Individual Player Bonuses Grievance pic.twitter.com/gMULuCkSKW
— UFLPA (@TheUFLPA) April 8, 2024
Things took a turn this offseason, as the United Steelworkers – the union backing the UFLPA – withdrew from the UFL.
Statement on USW withdrawal from UFL pic.twitter.com/yzenbJZ5lH
— UFLPA (@TheUFLPA) August 12, 2024
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After a few months without a players union, the players have officially voted on the UFPA as their representation moving forward. We’re told that the ballot votes were cast yesterday with the NLRB officially.
Congratulations Fellas,
Let the real work begin 🛡️ pic.twitter.com/4XKAK1wpG4
— United Football Players Association (@UnitedFBPlayers) October 11, 2024
The UFPA has been around since the XFL folded in 2020, led by Kenneth Farrow and Nick Temple. Since then, their team has expanded. Most notably, they added former Memphis Showboats General Manager Dennis Polian as an executive advisor. Jake Payne is an executive staff member; formerly having played for the St. Louis Battlehawks in 2020. Ryan Cave, who was part of UFPA activity with the USFL back in 2022 and 2023, is also involved on the executive staff. Rick Schaeffer and Don Povia both serve as executive advisors.
We are currently waiting on an official statement from the UFPA on this matter. Expect an update shortly.
As the UFL season approaches, keep an eye on further developments with the UFPA. With a slight shift in union representation, it’ll be intriguing to see what the organization can accomplish for the league’s players moving forward.
What are your thoughts on the UFPA working with the UFL? Should the USW have stayed involved instead of stepping away? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
