Thursday, October 8, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

USFL Debut Reaches 3 Million Viewers Across Fox, NBC, and Peacock

  • Saturday’s debut broadcast reached 3 million viewers across NBC, Fox, and Peacock combined.
  • The USFL outperformed the debuts of the AAF and XFL.
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The USFL debuted on Saturday night with a total audience of 3 million on NBC and Fox combined. 

The broadcast of the Birmingham Stallions’ 28-24 win over the New Jersey Generals hit a peak of nearly 3.5 million viewers, despite competing with the NBA playoffs, MLB, and the NHL. 

The USFL’s inaugural game, which was also available on NBC’s streaming platform Peacock, was the first sporting event to air on two competing TV networks since Super Bowl I in 1967. 

The broadcast was also a promising moment for the USFL when compared to the debuts of the Alliance of American Football and the XFL in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The AAF drew an average audience of 2.9 million during its debut, while the XFL reached an average of 3.3 million.

In addition to NBC, Fox, and Peacock, USFL games will be available on USA Network and FS1.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Kenny Albert Fox Sports
First at FOS

Kenny Albert’s Last-Minute NLDS Fill-In Came Mid-Colonoscopy Prep

Albert filled in for Joe Davis, who had lost his voice.
Oct 4, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Didier Fuentes (72) throws during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the NLDS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Division Series Extends Postseason Ratings Streak

Fox Sports and TNT Sports saw initial viewership lifts in the Division Series.
Sep 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (12), outfielder Cody Bellinger (35) and catcher Austin Wells (28) celebrate after defeating the Boston Red Sox in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.

NBC Scored Record Viewership With MLB Wild-Card Round

The initial wild-card games set a series of viewership milestones.

U.S. Presidents Cup Comeback Delivers Viewership Boost for NBC

NBC drew two million viewers for the final round.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/8/26 – Rahm Rejects LIV, Trump’s Stormy Georgia-Alabama Visit, Super Bowl on Disney+

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - AS Monaco v RC Strasbourg - Stade Louis II, Monaco, - April 19, 2025 TV pundit holds a DAZN microphone before the match

DAZN Grows Sports Footprint as It Acquires Local Rights

The streamer has quickly amassed a large collection of team rights.
Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Trump Still Plans to Attend Georgia-Alabama Despite Tropical Storm

The tropical storm projects to progress to a hurricane by Friday.
Charles Barkley Shaquille O'Neal
First at FOS
October 7, 2026

Shaquille O’Neal on Charles Barkley Retiring: ‘I Don’t Believe That’

Barkley has walked back retirement plans before, most recently in 2024.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Oct 4, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for seventy-six yards against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium.
October 7, 2026

Combined Sports Assets Give Skydance Leverage With NFL

The company’s co-CEOs spent Day 1 meeting with employees and press.
Max Kellerman Ring Magazine
Exclusive
October 6, 2026

Max Kellerman, LeSean McCoy Not Returning to DAZN Boxing Show

DAZN announced Tuesday that Mario Lopez is joining the show.
Feb 24, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; A general view of the Portland Trail Blazers logo at half court before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images
October 6, 2026

Braiden Bell Seeks Blazers Reinstatement After Firing

Bell was fired over social media posts he made as a teenager.
Opinion
October 5, 2026

Tony Romo Had an Enormous Impact on NFL TV

The “Romo Effect” will be felt for years to come.