'86 USFL: Transactions

Event Date: August 20th, 1986

Event Description: NFL Transactions

Source: Miami Herald

'86 USFL: Damage Control

Event Date: August 19th, 1986

Event Description: USFL v. NFL

Source: Tampa Times

'86 USFL: Spring Circuit

Event Date: August 16th, 1986

Event Description: Dixon Preps New League

Source: Daily News

'86 USFL: Lucky Charm

Event Date: August 16th, 1986

Event Description: Garlic Touch

Source: Tampa Tribune

'86 USFL: Transactions

Event Date: August 14th, 1986

Event Description: Bills Sign Lineman

Source: Democrat Chronicle

'86 USFL: Syndication Presentation

Event Date: August 1986*

Event Description: USFL TV Package

Source: USA Today

'86 USFL: Protege'

Event Date: August 6th, 1986

Event Description: Receivers Catching On

Source: Plain Dealer

'86 USFL: Divisions

Event Date: August 1986

Event Description: Divisional Lineup

Source: League Office

'86 USFL: No Thanks

Event Date: August 6th, 1986

Event Description: Dixon Seeks TV Deal

Source: USA Today

'86 USFL: Moving Forward

Event Date: August 6th, 1986**

Event Description: USFL Will Play

Source: Gotham Press Tribune

 USFL to Play 1986 Fall Season Under Argovitz Plan with New Investors

New York, NY – August 6th, 1986 – The United States Football League (USFL) will move forward with its 1986 fall season under a newly approved plan spearheaded by New Jersey Generals co-owner Jerry Argovitz. 

The plan, passed during a decisive league meeting, includes financial backing from investors Carl Icahn and Eddie Einhorn, a streamlined eight-team schedule for 1986, and a vision for league growth in 1987.

The Argovitz Plan focuses on sustainability and strategic expansion to ensure the USFL’s long-term survival following its symbolic $3 antitrust victory against the NFL. 

For 1986, the league will operate with eight core franchises: the New Jersey Generals, Houston Gamblers, Birmingham Stallions, Memphis Showboats, Arizona Outlaws, Baltimore Stars, Tampa Bay Bandits, and Jacksonville Bulls. This leaner approach allows teams to consolidate resources and focus on quality competition.

Jerry Argovitz:
“This plan is about survival today and growth tomorrow. By reducing costs this season and reinvesting capital, we’re positioning the USFL for success in 1987 and beyond.”

Key to the league’s survival is a significant infusion of capital from billionaire Carl Icahn and sports media mogul Eddie Einhorn, who have pledged $60 million to stabilize operations and increase league visibility. The funding will cover team expenses, marketing efforts, and preparations for a stronger 1986 campaign.

Carl Icahn:
“This league has real value, and with careful planning, it can capture a larger market share. We’re making the USFL more efficient while keeping the excitement alive for fans.”

Looking ahead, the USFL plans to reinstate two historic markets in 1987, bringing back the Chicago Blitz and the Oakland Invaders. Both cities were vital to the league’s early success and are viewed as essential for expanding its fanbase and television appeal.

Additionally, the league is in active negotiations for a national TV deal in 1987, with the looming threat of a potential NFL players’ strike providing a unique opportunity to attract new viewers and networks.

Eddie Einhorn:
“With a network TV deal, the USFL can reach millions of fans and showcase the exciting talent we already have. The NFL strike could open the door, and we’ll be ready to walk through it.”

Commissioner Harry Usher:
“This is a turning point for our league. With the Argovitz Plan in motion and new capital secured, we’re not just playing football this fall—we’re building a foundation for sustained growth.”

The 1986 USFL season will kick off on November 13, with a March 1987 championship to cap the schedule. Fans can expect a competitive season featuring stars like Herschel Walker, Jim Kelly, and Doug Flutie, as the league looks to prove its resilience and readiness for the future.

more to come......

'86 USFL: Riders Rights

Event Date: August 6th, 1986

Event Description: Riders Negotiation List

Source: The Leader-Post

'86 USFL: Gut Check

Event Date: August 5th, 1986

Event Description: Argovitz Statement

Source: Washington Post

'86 USFL: Expansion Plans?

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Dunavant Eyes '87

Source: Commercial Appeal

'86 USFL: Uncertainty

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Sklar Statement

Source: Birmingham Post Herald

'86 USFL: Veiled Optimism?

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Ross Weighs Options

Source: Paducah Sun

'86 USFL: Novel Idea

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Third Strike?

Source: Sacramento Bee

'86 USFL: Phoenix Rising

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Tatham Wants to Play

Source: Arizona Republic

'86 USFL: Time Capsule

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Capsules

Source: The Record

'86 USFL: Victory Party

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Evet Description: Trump Claims Victory

Source: Atlanta Constitution

'86 USFL: Class Reunion

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: Greenwood Returns

Source: Paducah Sun

'86 USFL: The Division Bell

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Owners Meeting

Source: Grand Rapids Press

'86 USFL: To play or not to play?

Event Date: August 4th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Meetings Set

Source: Scripps Howard News Service

'86 USFL: High Anxiety

Event Date: August 3rd, 1986

Event Description: Outlaws in Limbo

Source: Arizona Republic

'86 USFL: Big Toe

Event Date: August 3rd, 1986

Event Description: Bojovic Back

Source: Tampa Times

'86 USFL: To Play, Or Not To Play

Event Date: August 3rd, 1986

Event Description: USFL Owners Meetings

Source: Idaho Press

'86 USFL: Cable Vision

Event Date: August 1st, 1986

Event Description: USFL on ESPN

Source: St. Johns Times

'86 USFL: Thread Bare

Event Date: August 1st, 1986

Event Description: Juror Dissatisfaction

Source: Commercial Appeal

'86 USFL: Delay Tactics

Event Date: August 1st, 1986

Event Description: Tatham Seeks Time

Source: Detroit Free Press

'86 USFL: Lions Den

Event Date: July 31st, 1986

Event Description: Lions Snarl

Source: Detroit Free Press

'86 USFL: 50/50

Event Date: July 31st, 1986

Event Description: Walker Interview

Source: The Province

'86 USFL: Waiting Game II

Event Date: August 1st, 1986

Event Description: USFL on ESPN

Source: Vancouver Sun

'86 USFL: Blind Justice

Event Date: July 31st, 1986

Event Description: NFL-USFL Decision

Source: Pittsburgh Press

'86 USFL: Trials and Tribulations

Event Date: July 31st, 1986

Event Description: USFL vs. NFL

Source: Citizens Voice

'86 USFL: Damage Control

Event Date: July 30th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Eyes Appeal

Source: Vancouver Sun

'86 USFL: Game Plans

Event Date: July 30th, 1986

Event Description: USFL-NFL Trial

Source: Boston Globe

'86 USFL: 4th and Long

 Event Date: July 30th, 1986

Event Description: USFL "Wins" Suit

Source: The Record

'86 USFL: The Verdict

 Event Date: July 30th, 1986

Event Description: USFL-NFL Verdict

Source: The Record

'86 USFL; The Stallion

Event Date: July 29th, 1986

Event Description: Saindon Tops List

Source: Birmingham Post Herald

'86 USFL: Crunch Time

Event Date: July 26th, 1986

Event Description: USFL-NFL Trial

Source: Orlando Sentinel

'86 USFL: Waiting Game I

Event Date: July 26th, 1986

Event Description: Marchibroda Waits

Source: Evening Sun

'86 USFL: Star Gazing

Event Date: July 25th, 1986

Event Description: Coaching News

Source: Morning News

'86 USFL: Big Easy

Event Date: July 25th, 1986

Event Description: Jordan Returns

Source: The Town Talk

'86 USFL: Shock and Surprise

Event Date: July 25th, 1986

Event Description: Usher Fines Davis

Source: Palm Beach Post

'86 USFL: Transactions

Event Date: July 25th, 1986

Event Description: USFL Transactions

Source: Press & Sun Bulletin

'86 USFL: Strong Like Bull

Event Date: July 25th, 1986

Event Description: Saindon in the Spotlight

Source: Birmingham Post Herald

'86 USFL: Under Consideration

Event Date: July 24th, 1986

Event Description: Givins Attends Camp

Source: Fort Lauderdale News

'86 USFL: Boonedoggle

Event Date: July 24th, 1986

Event Description: Bandits Eye Boone

Source: Tampa Bay Times

'86 USFL: Wide Angle

Event Date: July 23rd, 1986

Event Description: Flutie Seeks Role

Source: Fort Lauderdale News

'86 USFL: Bandit Ball

Event Date: July 23rd, 1986

Event Description: Bandits Begin Again

Source: St. Petersburg Times

'86 USFL: Waiting Game

Event Date: July 23rd, 1986

Event Description: Generals Waiting

Source: Star Ledger