What was the USFL?
The United States Football League was an alternative path from the conventional course to head tothe NFL from 1983-1985. Teams played 3 seasons and the organization dissolved due to several botched decisions.
What does this have to do with the NPGL?
The National Pro Grid League (NPGL) made a huge splash in the the functional fitness realm last year and in it's second season it appears they are heading the right direction. There are still a few alarming things to consider to make sure they don't end up the like the USFL. After the jump we explore how the NPGL can avoid the pitfalls.
3 Points Grid should to consider: USFL Huge Mistake #1 Changing the Schedule
The USFL tried to go head to head with the NFL in the FALL! Because of that decision, the league's third season fell apart and collapsed before there first fall game due finical woes and too much direct competition with the NFL.
If the NPGL changes their schedule next year to go head to head with the Games Season they could have a lot of teams riddled with openings. This is due to prepping weeks leading up in the Regionals and Games stages and possibly sponsorship opportunities if the athlete place well. Remember- Grid training can be very different than training for strictly CrossFit competitions.
Bottom Line: They need to have a smart progression approach to the schedule and mindfully consider how many matches to hold.
USFL Huge Mistake #2 Amount of Teams
In two years the USFL expanded to 18 teams around the country. It was way too many teams and the teams didn't have enough time to build their fan base due to schedule and venues playing the games.
Keep the number of teams low. There has already been essentially two NPGL a teams that have come and past. Also the NPGL scheduled a lot of games at conventions that are in California which is killing the momentum for east coast teams to build a fan base. I'm not saying that a bad idea to have the matches at fitness conventions but also there is Arnold's Sports Fest on the East coast that would be huge exposure and closely to the east coast fan bases.
USFL Huge Mistake #3 Revenue and structure
It takes money to run a league. Donald Trump attempted to move the USFL in the right direction and ended up blowing the whole league up by his actions.
There are no easy answer when you're building an organization from a top down approach. The NPGL started from ideas from silicon valley. They should study and learn from past businesses that started with great intentions and lose their way.
Bottom Line: Continue to scale down the production when possible and start having matches at Grid compounds and smaller venue. Make sure the sport becomes a big fish in a small pond before heading to the ocean. See also: how they changed drastically from season 1 to 2. From Madison Square Garden to a more suitable venue this year.
I'm optimistic that the NPGL will keep progressing this year and move into season 3 with excitement and a battle plan.