USFL '86: The Season That Never Was

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

'84 Chronology-TV Extension Pact

Event Date: April 24th, 1984

Event Description: ABC Extends Contract

Source: UPI

The USFL's contract with ABC will be extended at least though the 1985 season, a league spokesman said Tuesday.

ABC sent a letter to the league office Tuesday, notifying USFL officials that the network would pick up its option to televise USFL games for the 1985 season.

The amount ABC will pay for the 1985 season and ABC's option for the 1986 season are still under negotiation.

The original deal between the network and the league, signed before the 1983 season, calls for ABC to pay $15 million for the 1985 season, but USFL officials feel the sum will be greater.

“The key is that negotiations are continuing for 1985 and beyond,” said Jim Byrne, the USFL's director of communications. “It is obvious that ABC has confidence in the future of the league.”

The USFL averaged a 7.0 rating and 17 share on ABC over the first eight weeks of this season.

Negotiations have also been ongoing between the USFL and the ESPN cable network for the 1985 season and beyond. ESPN also televises USFL games.

The USFL executive committee was notified of ABC's decision at a meeting Tuesday morning.

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