'84 Chronology-Final Votes

Event Date: August 27th, 1984

Internal Memo: United States Football League Owners Meeting

Re: Final Votes

The owners considered the following; 

1. A proposal from New Jersey Generals owner Donald J. Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season.
2. A proposal from Commissioner Simmons to form the Committee on Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation.
1. The Committee will submit recommendations for the Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington franchises within 30 days of the close of the August meetings.
2. The Committee, along with current ownership, will continue to try and negotiate the sale or relocation of those franchises considered to be in distress.
3. A proposal from Marvin Warner regarding the pursuit of an anti-trust lawsuit against the National Football League. (Approved)
4. A proposal to accept the following from the McKinsey report:
1. Sixteen game schedule in 1985.
2. Move the season ahead to early February.
3. Continue TV negotiations with ABC and ESPN regarding improved regional coverage on Sundays and more prime time games (Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights).
4. Initiate a more comprehensive advertising and marketing campaigns.
5. Implement a blackout rule starting in 1985.
6. Soft Salary Cap of  $3.2 million per team starting in 1985.
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage to be led by Commissioner Simmons and Eddie Einhorn.

The owners agreed to the following;

1. A proposal from Donald Trump to move to the fall for the 1985 season. (Failed to pass by a 2/3 vote).
2. A proposal to form the Consolidation, Expansion and Relocation Committee was approved. (Approved).
3. A proposal to continue to investigate anti-trust litigation against the National Football League. (Approved).
4. The owners also voted on the following recommendations from the McKinsey Report:
1. Move to a sixteen game schedule in 1985. (Approved).
2. Starting in 1985, move the season ahead to early February. (Approved).
3. A modified prime time schedule which would include Thursday and Sunday night contests. (Sent to the Television Committee for final approval).
4. Implement a comprehensive advertising and marketing campaign under the direction of Commissioner Simmons and the Television Committee. (Approved).
5. Implement a stronger blackout rule for 1985. (Tabled due to current television contract terms with ABC, to be reconsidered for the 1986 season).
6. Implementation of a “soft” salary cap for the 1985 season. (Approved with New Jersey and Arizona abstaining).
7. Continue talks with all three television networks regarding future coverage for both a spring and potential future fall schedule. (Approved).
5. The owners agreed to undertake the “League Building” strategy as outlined in the McKinsey Report. (Approved with New Jersey abstaining).

(Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles did not register formal votes)

more to come......