The Markcast®

We're going LIVE to conclude USFL week 1! Join us before the Monday night game between the Tampa Bay Bandits and the Pittsburgh Maulers on FS1 to discuss everything week 1 in the USFL!! We'll be taking calls and listener comments, so hop on an hour before kickoff to share your stories from your weekend watching USFL football!

We're going LIVE from the USFL 2022 kickoff from Protective Stadium at The Southern Kitchen and Bar in Birmingham on Saturday April 16, 2022.

Come stop by live or watch us online, we'll have suprise USFL guests, USFL commentary and USFL analysis to get you all set for the 2022 USFL kickoff featuring the New Jersey Generals taking on the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.

Your guests include:

Roy S. Johnson of al.com
Ron Frederick, former USFL Birmingham Stallion
Mike Mitchell
Mark Perry
Dustin of Royal Retros
Andrew Murray of XFL News Hub

New XFL cities and coaches? A Potential XFL bubble/hub season in Texas?? XFL logo announcement fallout plus interviews with Victor Cui, Nic Sulsky and Jake Wieneke on this week’s episode of The Markcast.

We bring on XFL News Hub’s Matt Lyons to break down all of the major XFL news breaking and circulating this week. Could the XFL potentially be setting up shop for a 2023 hub season in Dallas, Texas? We chat through the pros and cons of that decision and how the XFL fanbase will response. Matt and I also chat through the rumored XFL city movements and what teams might be left out in the cold when the XFL returns in 2023. There’s also multiple coaching hires being reported for XFL head coach position including many other rumored names from XFL insider Mike Mitchell so we breakdown and chat though all of those potential possibilities.

Victor Cui, President and CEO of the Edmonton Elks then stops by the program to fill us in on the work he’s been doing since taking his position 2 months ago to rebuild the Elks franchise in the CFL. We talk about repairing the “fractured” relationship between the team and their fans, what the other CFL teams and ownerships can do to help grow their respective fanbases and I even pitch my own new slogan for the Edmonton Elks.

Nic Sulsky, Chief Commercial Officer of PointsBet Canada returns to the program to discuss their newly announced sports-betting partnership with the Ottawa REDBLACKS. We chat about their goal to improve the CFL fan’s on-site experience as it relates to sports-betting while attending CFL games, and what things can be pivoted to help improve CFL fan retention and engagement across Canada and down into the United States as well.

Finally, Montreal Alouettes wide receiver Jake Wieneke makes an appearance courtesy of the team to fill us in on his ongoings during the CFL off-season and how he plans to get game ready by the time the CFL kicks off in just a few months. Besides visiting teammates Vernon Adams Jr. on the west coast with fellow teammate William Stanback, Jake also gives back to his community through teaching, a fantastic individual!

Be sure to tune in next SATURDAY for our big USFL kickoff pre-game show!

Your guests include: Roy S. Johnson of al.com Ron Frederick, former USFL Birmingham Stallion Mike Mitchell Mark Perry Dustin of Royal Retros Andrew Murray of XFL News Hub

0:00 The Markcast Show Promo
2:29 Show Intro
7:17 Matt Lyons, XFL News Hub Interview
8:38 XFL Logo Announcement, XFL Merch Shop, XFL Logo Memes
18:32 New XFL Coach Signings
21:15 New Potential XFL Cities
25:05 XFL Potential Hub/Bubble Season
31:30 More Potential Rumored XFL Head Coaches
41:40 Final XFL Thoughts, Negative/Positive Thoughts?
47:00 USFL News and Notes, Broadcasters
54:00 USFL Kickoff TV Ratings Predictions
58:27 Victor Cui, Edmonton Elks President/CEO Interview
1:24:14 Nic Sulsky, Chief Commercial Officer, PointsBet Canada
1:47:32 Jake Wieneke, Montreal Alouettes Interview
2:03:46 Show Outro

We're reacting LIVE to the conclusion of the XFL.com countdown and social media blackout. Join us LIVE Wednesday at 8:45a PST / 11:45 EST as well react live to the first step towards XFL 2023.

A new logo? New XFL cities and teams?!? We'll find out LIVE together!!! The Rock has promised the beginning of XFL’s new vision, direction & CULTURE.

It’s a jam-packed, double-loaded show today as we welcome FIVE guests to the program this week, Sam Schwartzstein, creator of the XFL rulebook returns to dissect the new USFL rules, IP/Trademark Lawyer Michael Cohen gives an update on the “real” USFL v. FOX Sports lawsuit, Football Canada President Jim Mullin talks CFL marketing and USFL plus player interviews with former Edmonton/Hamilton/Winnipegger Greg Peach and XFL Roughnecks/now Edmonton Elks Sergio Castillo.

There’s been lots of XFL vs. AAF vs. USFL rules with the announcement of the new USFL rulebook, lots of accusations of “borrowing” ideas from other leagues and who should have the right to use them, and we go to the source of the XFL rulebook Sam Schwartzstein to get his thoughts on the matter. We talk with Sam Schwartzstein about the pros and cons of the new USFL rules and dissect everything that may or may not have gone into the decisions to use certain other alt-football rules in the soon to kick off USFL rulebook. If you’re into football rule psychology, this is a MUST-listen interview!

FOX Sports has responded to the “real” USFL’s updated lawsuit and things aren’t looking good for the old stead of Steve Ehrhart and company, but just HOW bad do things appear? We bring back fan-favorite and friend of the program Michael Cohen, IP and trademark lawyer out of Beverly Hills to share his knowledge and expertise on the situation.

4-time returning guest Jim Mullin, President of Football Canada and host of Krown Gridiron Nation on TSN stops by to talk about his RELIEF that the talks of the CFL moving to 4 downs has finally subsided. We chat about the Genius Marketing deal, off-season notes regarding the BC Lions and Edmonton Elks plus we cover the USFL “relaunch” and what they need to do to stand apart from other spring alternative football leagues and the NFL.

We wrap the show today with two wonderful player interviews, Greg Peach and Sergio Castillo. Greg Peach, former Edmonton/Hamilton/Winnipeg CFL alum joins us from his home in Spokane, Wa to talk a little March Madness (or sadness if you’re a Gonzaga fan) plus what the CFL needs to do to attract youth and to build stronger relations between the players on the field and the fans in the stands. Finally, long-time fan favorite Sergio Castillo of the Houston Roughnecks, BC Lions, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and Edmonton Elks makes an appearance to preview the upcoming CFL season and to discuss his journey as a professional football player including all of his ups and downs along the way. We concentrate on the support of his family, his sources of strength and advice for future players wanting to play professional football, and OF COURSE, we talk Bud Light Seltzer and his infamous post-game moment in the XFL.

0:00 The Markcast Show Promo
2:29 Show Intro, New Facebook Group, Twitter Community
9:20 Sam Schwartzstein, XFL Rulebook Creator on USFL Rules
54:24 Michael Cohen, IP/Trademark Lawyer on “real” USFL v. USFL Lawsuit
1:15:37 USFL Live Show Announcement, USFL News, “Hard Knock” / United By Football Show
1:24:21 Jim Mullin, Football Canada President, Krown Gridiron Nation Host Interview
2:01:50 Greg Peach, Former Edmonton, Hamilton, Winnipeg CFL Player Interview
2:25:39 Sergio Castillo, Current Edmonton Elks, Former Houston Roughnecks Player Interview
2:39:53 Show Outro

The USFL rulebook is here, another sports entity is trying to take down the USFL in court and we are STILL trying to figure out how to “save” the CFL on this week’s episode of The Markcast. Farhan Lalji of TSN, Andrew Murray of XFL, USFL and CFL News Hub along wide William Stanback of the Montreal Alouettes join us for this week of the show, which is decidedly a very PRO-USFL podcast. ;)

The USFL players have arrived for training camps in Birmingham, Alabama and the USFL has released their playbook for their 2022 season. Lots of carried over NFL rules but a few tweaks and inspirations from spring and alternative football leagues past makes an intriguing rulebook which should be fascinating to see hit the field when the USFL kicks off in April.

Another legal battle for the USFL is on the horizon with the Carolina Panthers of the NFL taking umbrage to the USFL (actually The Spring League’s) ownership of the “Michigan Panthers” trademark and have filed an opposition agains The Spring League LLC. Should fans of the USFL be worried? Why won’t people just leave the USFL alone?? We discuss.

TSN’s Farhan Lalji makes a return appearance on the program to chat both USFL and CFL football. The CFL fanbase is in hysterics over the notion of potentially, hypothetically changing the Canadian Football game to 4 downs, but how likely is that REALLY? We chat with Farhan and also get his thoughts on what needs to be done, if not going to 4 downs, to help propel and grow the CFL game. Farhan also shares his thoughts on the USFL’s return, or relaunch however the courts want us to refer to it as, and what effects if any he sees the USFL having on the Canadian Football game either this year, or in the years to come.

Andrew Murray of USFL/XFL/CFL News Hub stops by the show to give his thoughts on the USFL relaunch thus far, we also break down the recently released USFL rulebook and talk about the tweaks and oddities. We also break down the Carolina Panthers opposition against The Spring League’s ownership of the “Michigan Panthers” trademark as well as give an update to the “real” USFL v. USFL lawsuit.

Finally William Stanback of the Montreal Alouettes sits down to preview the upcoming CFL season, talk about his off-season workout routine and his love for his family who will be joining him in Montreal for the upcoming 2022 CFL season.

0:00 The Markcast Show Promo
2:29 Show Intro, Guest Lineup
7:46 Farhan Lalji, CFL Insider Interview, CFL Marketing, Moving to 4 Downs, USFL
36:29 Andrew Murray, USFL / XFL / CFL News Hub USFL Interview
39:40 “Real” USFL v. USFL Lawsuit Update
49:50 Carolina Panthers v. The Spring League LLC Trademark Opposition
55:45 USFL Sports-Betting, AGA Partnership
1:00:26 USFL Training Camp Update, Player Arriving, “Hard Knocks”
1:06:46 USFL Rulebook Released, Analysis on USFL Rules
1:35:35 USFL Cheerleader/National Anthem Singer Tryouts
1:36:26 MLFB Update, New Head Coach Hired, Thoughts on MLFB Season
1:41:20 Fan Controlled Football Thoughts, Schedule Release, Ticket Info
1:55:59 William Stanback, CFL Montreal Alouettes Interview
2:13:58 Show Outro

The “real” USFL v. USFL lawsuit is heating up as we are ONE month away from the USFL kickoff kickoff plus the CFL to 4 down chatter just won’t quit on this week’s episode of The Markcast. We bring on IP/Trademark Lawyer Tim Billick, TSN 1260’s Jason Gregor, USFL Stars’ Defensive Back Solomon Wise and BC Lion’s Offensive Lineman Andrew Peirson onto the program.

The “real” USFL and the FOX Sports USFL have met now twice via conference to try to settle the ongoing litigation and things seem to be escalating even further. We chat with intellectual/patent and trademark prosecution lawyer Tim Billick who helps us try to make sense of the declarations that were filed this week from both the “real” USFL and the FOX owned USFL. What are the next steps in this ongoing case and what effects/ramifications will this continuing case have on the upcoming USFL kickoff, we find out.

Is the CFL moving to 4 downs? Haven’t we been down this road before?? The Genius Sports/CFL talk is heating up and MANY talking points have arisen, one of which is the CFL moving to 4 downs by way of not-so friend of the show Arash Madani. What does TSN 1260’s Jason Gregor think of the move to 4 downs and the effects that might and will have on the Canadian game. Plus we chat through the Genius Sports/CFL partnership and figure out the next steps for commissioner Randy Ambrosie and the league growing and promoting the CFL game moving into 2022 and beyond. Would a CFL version of “Drive to Survive” work to grow the Canadian game and should Randy Ambrosie and the CFL go down that route? We discuss.

We have a couple of wonderful player interviews this week including recently drafted USFL defensive back Solomon Wise from the USFL Philadelphia Stars and Andrew Peirson from the BC Lions. Solomon shares his experiences getting drafted into the league, thoughts on the USFL thus far and next steps as he gets ready to head to Birmingham for the USFL training camps next week. Andrew talks off-season CFL training, thoughts on Henry Burris’ being added as an offensive consultant, his impressions of Nathan Rourke leading the team into the 2022 CFL season and we get a spoiler-free review of “The Batman” from Andrew as he continues to bond with his teammates in the CFL offseason.

Finally the MLFB is in the news with the announcement of Jerry Glanville as one of their head coaches and potentially late-breaking news of potential cities/States. As they plan to kick off their inaugural season (finally) in May, are there enough players and talent coaches/staff to justify ANOTHER spring football league, we discuss.

Thanks for checking out the program, be sure to like and subscribe either on our YouTube channel or from your podcast platform of choice. Thanks and take care!!

Tim Billick’s website -
www.tbillicklaw.com

0:00 The Markcast Episode Promo
2:30 Show Intro, Guest Lineup
7:34 Tim Billick, IP/Trademark Lawyer on USFL Lawsuit
42:09 Jason Gregor, TSN 1260 on CFL Marketing, Moving to 4 Downs
1:08:21 MLFB News, Coach Hired, Cities Announced?, USFL Staff Rosters Released
1:17:07 Solomon Wise, USFL Philadelphia Stars Interview
1:29:27 Andrew Peirson, CFL BC Lions Interview
1:47:09 Listener Voicemails!!!
1:51:50 Show Outro

Is the XFL moving to San Antonio? PLUS more USFL lawsuit news, a new court date pending and a question of who the “real” USFL is in the hearts and minds of USFL fans on this week’s episode of The Markcast. The XFL is in the news with some new hires as well as a potential head coach lined up, plus we also have a slate of fantastic interviews including USFL historian Paul Reeths, newly drafted USFL Philadelphia Stars OL Sean Brown and Henoc Muamba on this week’s show.

The “real” USFL has come out to defend the right and legacy of the original USFL, but it seems that most new USFL fans don’t really care. Who is and should be the rightful holder of the USFL trademarks moving forward? We chat with USFL historian Paul Reeths who’s worked with and spoken to those involved in the USFL for his projects in the past. Why is the “real” USFL alienating themselves amongst new USFL fans and what can the “real” USFL do to fix it?

Recently signed USFL Philadelphia Stars OL Sean Brown joins the program to talk signing up to play in the USFL in Birmingham in 2022. We talk through Sean’s journey which includes stints in the AAF, the XFL AND The Spring League before finally winding up in the USFL with Bart Andrus and the USFL Stars. We talk about the importance of spring and alternative football leagues to give players more opportunities and places to succeed moving forward.

There’s also a bunch of XFL news in the world with the league formally announcing 3 new hires within the XFL office and a report out of a new head coach potentially heading to the XFL in 2023. We also chat through the XFL’s resurgence on Twitter and if that has anything to do with trying to counter-program against the USFL’s gaining momentum.

***It came out last last Thursday night that the potential new XFL coach is heading to San Antonio to head up the XFL team there. We don't yet know if it's a team relocation, expansion, or something else. Redbird and XFL have yet to confirm or dispute the infomation as of this recording.***

Finally, Henoc Muamba of the Toronto Argonauts joins the show. The newly-elected CFLPA member talks through goals for the CBA headed into 2022, why he loves playing in his hometown of Toronto and more. Henoc has played football both in the CFL and NFL and has a tremendous story and legacy to share with new and veteran players alike, don’t miss this interview!

Reid also gives an update on The Markcast and show plans moving forward.

0:00 Show Intro, Guest Introductions
3:15 Paul Reeths, USFL Historian Interview
32:05 Sean Brown, USFL Philadelphia Stars OL Interview
47:20 XFL to San Antonio?, XFL New Hires, New XFL Head Coach? USFL NFTs
1:01:42 Henoc Muamba, Toronto Argonauts Interview
1:17:27 The Markcast Show Update Moving Forward

This is the audio version of our USFL supplemental draft livestream on March 10, 2022. Vince from Pro Level Agents + Evan and Andrew of XFL and CFL News Hub joined me to break down all 10 rounds and 80 picks of the USFL supplemental draft.

We had cameos from friend of the show Matt Mengel, Sean Brown and Jojo Tillery as he was selected in the 2022 USFL supplemental draft.

Check out the YouTube version of our USFL supplemental draft coverage:
https://youtu.be/IvoNh8uOcnk

Check back Friday morning for a brand new episode!

The USFL is suing…THEMSELVES?!? Sort of, but not really. We’ll break down the latest USFL trademark lawsuit updates plus your latest XFL and CFL talk on this week’s episode of The Markcast.

The “Real USFL” comprised of Steve Ehrhart and some of the previous stakeholders in the original 1980’s version of the USFL is suing FOX Sports and company based on trademark infringement related to their “reboot” or “relaunch/reimagining” however you choose to look at it taking place this upcoming April in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s a tricky and convoluted case and we bring in all of the experts to see if this lawsuit actually has a chance of derailing or postponing the upcoming 2022 USFL April hub season.

Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal who originally broke the story of the big USFL lawsuit joins the show to give his thoughts on the merits of the case, the motivations of the stakeholders and what potential possible outcomes could take place because of the ongoing litigation. Ben also shares his thoughts on FOX’s reboot of the USFL in general and the recently announced XFL/NFL partnership.

Michael Cohen, trademark and IP lawyer out of Beverly Hills who originally joined the program back in May to talk through this very potential issues, returns to the program to give his updated thoughts on the merits of the “Real USFL’s” claims based on his knowledge of trademark and IP law. I also twist Michael’s arm and get him to call his shot about how HE sees all of this unfolding.

Finally we get a little CFL talk with Ottawa REDBLACKS’ punter Richie Leone. Richie has been apart of the CFL for years including stints with the BC Lions and the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Richie shares why he would choose a “career” in the CFL versus simply playing in the USFL or other upstart leagues.

Lots of fun topics to chew through this week from a USFL, XFL and CFL standpoint. Please like and subscribe and help us reach out 2,000 subscriber goal. Thanks and take care!!