Donald Trump's USFL Venture: A Play for NFL Inclusion
Donald Trump, a real estate magnate, purchased the New Jersey Generals in September 1983. He acquired the team, part of the newly formed USFL (United States Football League), as a means of brand building after an unsuccessful attempt to acquire an NFL franchise. The USFL, established in the spring of 1983, initially operated in a different season to avoid direct competition with the NFL and attracted high-caliber players from both professional and collegiate levels.
Donald Trump acquired the New Jersey Generals as a means of brand building after an unsuccessful attempt to acquire an NFL franchise.
The Generals showed improvement over their two seasons under Trump's ownership, reaching the play-offs in 1984 and 1985, though they lost in the first round each time. From the outset, Trump advocated for the USFL to shift from a spring schedule to an autumn-winter schedule, putting it in direct competition with the NFL. In August 1984, he successfully convinced USFL team owners to vote for this schedule change, planned for 1986.
The Anti-Trust Lawsuit and Strategic Aims
Subsequently, in October 1984, the USFL, led by Trump, initiated an anti-trust lawsuit against the NFL. The lawsuit alleged that the NFL had monopolized television contracts and sought $1.7 billion in damages. Trump's aim was to compel a merger between the leagues, securing an NFL franchise for himself and potentially establishing a Trump-branded stadium in Manhattan.
Trial Verdict and USFL Collapse
The trial commenced in May 1986 and lasted 42 days. The jury determined that the NFL constituted an 'illegal monopoly'. However, it dismissed other charges and awarded the USFL only $3 in damages, concluding that the majority of the USFL's difficulties were self-imposed. The USFL had accumulated substantial debt and folded shortly after the verdict.
The jury determined that the NFL constituted an 'illegal monopoly'. However, it dismissed other charges and awarded the USFL only $3 in damages, concluding that the majority of the USFL's difficulties were self-imposed.
Public Perception and Alleged Confrontation
A juror in a book about the USFL reportedly stated that Trump appeared "arrogant and unlikeable" during the court proceedings. Conflicting accounts exist regarding a March 1984 meeting between Trump and then-NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. During this meeting, Rozelle is alleged to have told Trump that he would "never be a franchise owner in the league" as long as Rozelle or his heirs were involved.
NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle is alleged to have told Trump that he would "never be a franchise owner in the league" as long as Rozelle or his heirs were involved.