The Memphis 3 or Chicago 3?

Fifty-one years ago this month, John Bassett shocked the sports world when he lured fullback Larry Csonka, wide receiver Paul Warfield and running back Jim Kiick away from the Super Bowl champion Miami Dolphins to the Toronto Northmen of the fledgling World Football League.

Of course, the Northmen never materialized, and relocated to Memphis (where they became the Southmen).

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If you’re a football history geek, you probably already know that.

But did you know that just five months before the trio’s debut – and the start of the WFL’s ill-fated 1975 season – there was a deal in the works to send them to Chicago’s new franchise?

In early March of 1975, there was still some question as to whether or not the WFL would be around for a second try. After the epic financial disaster of the 1974 campaign, new league commissioner Chris Hemmeter was overseeing a “reorganization” plan for the league, which wouldn’t be finalized until April.

Meantime, Bassett had announced on March 2 that he had offered a group of Chicago investors Csonka, Warfield and Kiick in exchange for a joint ownership of a new Windy City-based franchise.

The Chicago Fire, which played in 1974, had folded in January, 1975.

“I would hope Csonka, Kiick and Warfield don’t have to play in Memphis,” Bassett told the Commercial Appeal in Memphis for a March 2 story.

Bassett thought the Southmen were strong enough to be a winning team even without the three. By sending them to Chicago, it would give the WFL a boost by having them showcased in a major media market – thus possibly saving the circuit from extinction.

“Their contract is a very simple one,” Bassett said. “It is a standard player’s contract with a  couple of alterations – the main alteration being that there are some personal guarantees, and the second one being that I have to be associated with the football team.”

Under Bassett’s plan, he would own both the Memphis franchise and be a part owner of the Chicago entry.

“It is conceivable that corporately we could have two separate football teams,” he told the paper. “The contract was originally signed with the Toronto Northmen, which is the general partner in Memphis. The contract is still with the Toronto Northmen.”

Bassett said the season ticket holders he had talked to in Memphis seemed to be fine with the potential loss of the NFL stars.

“We phoned every season ticket holder, and we only lost 35 subscribers – 19 had moved away or died,” he said. “We picked up 500. That was the week after the speculation, the Csonka-Kiick-Warfield story, broke. Fans could be really upset if we were 3-17, but we had the best record in North America in 1974 (17-4 with a playoff loss to the Florida Blazers).”

With stars in Memphis such as running backs J.J. Jennings and Willie Spencer, as well as wide receiver Ed Marshall, the Southmen already had plenty of weapons.

Chicago’s new team, however, needed to make a splash.

“Is it wrong to want to showcase the best you have in a suitable arena (Soldier Field) to get the maximum benefit from them?” Bassett asked. “I think not.”

Two weeks later, Csonka told the Commercial Appeal he wasn’t concerned about what team he’d be repping in ’75.

“To tell you the truth, I’m tired of hearing and reading about where we’re going to play,” the future Hall of Famer said. “One day it’s this city, the next day it’s somewhere else. As long as I get to play football, it doesn’t matter where.”

That said, the goings on behind the scenes in the WFL didn’t inspire confidence.

“It seems to me that while arguing over a sandwich, they’re going to miss dinner,” Csonka said. “It seems very, very shaky to me. I think the league is far behind schedule, and it disenchants me to know they aren’t any farther ahead at this point than they are.

“I would have thought they could have had all their groundwork completed for a second season, and be ready to go by now.”

As the calendar shifted from March to April, things got even more interesting.

Eugene Pullano had emerged as the principal owner of the Chicago franchise. And not only was he negotiating with Bassett for the “big three,” he was also trying to lure Joe Namath from the New York Jets.

Although Namath was past his prime, he would’ve certainly made the WFL a major news story.

Heading into league meetings, Pullano said he needed to close one or both deals or he wouldn’t join the league.

“Without Namath, I won’t accept the secondary package,” Pullano said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “If the WFL assures me in writing of Csonka, Kiick and Warfield, I’ll conditionally join the WFL. It’s one package or the other … we won’t go without them.”

On April 16, Hemmeter announced that the WFL was a go for 1975 and would feature at least 10 franchises. That same day, however, Bassett and Pullano broke off negotiations for Csonka, Warfield and Kiick.

“They will play for the Memphis Southmen, period,” Bassett told United Press International. “It did not become necessary for me to sell their contracts to the league in order for the WFL to continue.

“Initially, I never intended them to play anywhere else but in Toronto, but when I was forced to move to Memphis, I never intended for them to play anywhere else but Memphis.”

Namath ultimately turned down Chicago’s $4 million offer, but Pullano reconsidered and decided to move forward with the new franchise, nicknamed the Winds.

It was a bad idea.

Chicago was the first team to fold in the WFL’s second season, going cleats up after just five regular season games and finishing 1-4. Their final game, incidentally, was a 31-7 road loss to the Southmen.

The rest of the league followed suit after 12 weeks; Memphis fans got to see Csonka, Warfield and Kiick perform at the Liberty Bowl just seven times before waning fan interest – and a lack of a national TV contract – doomed the WFL for good.

“I still want to play some football,” Csonka said on the day the WFL folded – October 22, 1975. “But the league just fell out from under us.”

Afterlife Adventures

“Welcome Mr. Fitzgerald … please take a seat.”

The office of Marvin Gladwater was small but opulent. High end, antique artwork from the 21st century adorned the pastel yellow walls and the jet black table and chairs – anchoring the center of the room – were so shiny they practically glowed. Durwood Fitzgerald eased into the seat opposite Gladwater.

Scott Adamson writes stuff. Follow him on Bluesky @scottadamson1960.bsky.social

“So, Mr. Fitzgerald, how did you hear about Afterlife Adventures?”

Science had made monumental advancements since World Cyber War II, and by the year 2345, a company called Afterlife Adventures, Inc., discovered that a bridge between death and “post-mortal life” did, in fact, exist. Every human life had a “Malleable Vestige,” or MV, after death, but only Afterlife Adventures, Inc., was able to contain it – and offer a vessel allowing it to exist in the world of the living.

“Well,” Fitzgerald began, “I was watching a Continental Omegaball League game on my holographic display cube and saw your commercial. It said you have several different options and I was just curious what those options are. I guess it just got me thinking about what my next move should be. You know … after I’m gone. So, you can actually put my MV into something that’s still alive, is that right?”

“Correct,” Gladwater said. “It’s a shared experience since you’ll be joining  a sentient being. You’ve seen those historical presentations featuring what were known as automobiles, haven’t you? Basically, the sentient being is the driver, but you’re along for the ride. We have different tiers, from some that are comparatively inexpensive to others that are – if I’m being honest – extremely pricey. But as you can imagine, jumping from one plane of existence to another and then back again is hardly cheap. Here are a few options for you to consider, based on how many Rhodium Chips you’ve kept in reserve.”

Gladwater snapped his finger and a 3D projection system appeared before Fitzgerald, allowing the potential client to get a brief synopsis of some of the more popular options. Among them were Afterlife Adventure Basic, Afterlife Adventure Plan B, Afterlife Adventure Silver, Afterlife Adventure Platinum, and Afterlife Adventure Ultimate.

“Wow, that Ultimate plan looks awesome,” Fitzerald said, pointing, “aren’t those famous people? I think I recognize one of those guys  … isn’t that Doofus McGoofington from the ‘Snort-Laugh Until You Break Wind Comedy Hour?’”

“Indeed. This is our most prestigious option. Some of the top divertissement performers on the planet are part of the Afterlife Adventure. Imagine sharing the consciousness of a retro rap artist like Phil A.O. Soul. Just last year a client joined him right as he was starting his ‘Damn, That’s A Big-Ass Cookie’ tour. What an experience that must’ve been! And another client’s MV was paired with award-winning thespian Ptolemy Heatherington. They got to be part of the popular horror series, ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of That Thing In The Mirror That You Think Could Be a Ghost But You Can’t Say For Sure Because You Just Woke Up And Have Been Sick.’ Of course, that costs 300 Rhodium Chips.”

Fitgerald audibly gasped.

“Good grief,” he said. “That’s way, way too rich for my blood. And, frankly Mr. Gladwell, I’m pretty sure most of these popular ones are out of my price range. But this basic plan … it’s just two Rhodium Chips, which seems like a heckuva deal. I’m a little confused, though. I just see a bunch of squirrels running around in a field. Would that mean you’d place my MV in, like, a park ranger or something.”

Gladwater smiled.

“Actually, we’d place you in a squirrel, Mr. Fitzgerald. Admittedly it’s not the sexiest option, but many people choose this and chances are if you decided to MV as a squirrel, you’re quite likely to meet someone you once knew. We have a testimonial from two MVs who dated during their Learning Pod work as teenagers, lost track of each other, died, and then became reacquainted as squirrels. They likely would’ve married had they not been squirrels who, of course, do not marry. They basically just do squirrel stuff.”

Fitzgerald pursed his lips.

“Hmmm,” he said. “The squirrel option doesn’t sound bad, but how long do they live in the wild – five, 10 years, tops? I’m almost inclined to just let my MV go wherever it goes naturally – the great beyond, or wherever. Then it won’t cost me anything.”

Fitgerald got up and extended his hand.

“Oh, well … thank you for your time, Mr. Gladwater,” he said. “I think for now I’ll pass. I might reconsider it later, though. I’ve always been fond of squirrels.”

“Before you go,” Gladwater said, “we do have a new, experimental option we’ve been workshopping. It’s called the Afterlife Adventure Politics Plan. We place your MV into a person who has held office in the Global Government Alliance for 25 or more years. It’s 10 Rhodium Chips.”

Fitzgerald shook his head.

“Well, like I said, I don’t even want to spend the two Rhodium Chips for the Basic Plan. I’m definitely not gonna spend 10.”

“Oh, no, Mr. Fitzgerald,” Gladwater said. “We put 10 Rhodium Chips in your reserve. Basically, an MV is just a soul, and souls are barely discernable among the bulk of these career politicians. You’d be doing most of the driving yourself.”

A new challenger

Maybe it’s because I’ve always favored upstart leagues (I preferred the American Football League to the NFL, World Hockey Association to the NHL, and American Basketball Association to the NBA), but I really, really wanted the second iteration of the North American Soccer League to succeed.

When it started play in 2011, Major League Soccer was already clearly established as North America’s one and only “First Division” soccer circuit. Since the new NASL had revived the badge of my favorite domestic club – the New York Cosmos – I hoped one day it could challenge the established league.

Scott Adamson writes stuff. Follow him on Bluesky @scottadamson1960.bsky.social

I didn’t want NASL to replace MLS or force a merger, I just wanted to have another option.

Instead, the NASL folded in 2017 and after losing its antitrust lawsuit against MLS earlier this month, it’s most likely off the board for good.

Luckily, I have a few collectibles to remember it by. So, while it’s gone, I won’t forget it.

But now – maybe – I’m gonna get another shot at cheering for the underdog thanks to the United Soccer League. Currently, the USL Championship serves as a second tier competition in the American pyramid, but on February 13 plans to create an MLS rival were announced.

Gotta admit … it got the ol’ Spidey senses tingling.

“Today is a defining moment for the USL and the future of soccer in the United States,” Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, said. “Creating a Division One league is a bold step forward, expanding access to top-tier competition, deepening the connection between our communities and taking another step in aligning with the structure of the global game. By uniting people through soccer and bringing Division One to more cities, we’re not just growing the sport—we’re creating lasting opportunities while building a more sustainable and vibrant soccer ecosystem in the U.S.”

MLS works under a single entity structure while USL franchises are sperate businesses. That allows for more “personality,” like the independent spirit you get with clubs like Detroit City FC and Oakland Roots SC.

“The USL has long been committed to creating a structure that drives growth, opportunity, and long-term success in American soccer,” Papadakis said. “The USL model empowers clubs with greater autonomy and fosters a dynamic, interconnected system—one that allows them to compete at the highest level while remaining deeply rooted in their communities. Around the world, top-tier clubs thrive in cities of all sizes, and we believe the same is possible here. The demand and infrastructure are in place, and the potential for growth is immense.”

The new league is slated to begin play for the 2027-28 season, a year after North America hosts the World Cup and leading up to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As for the name, it’s doubtful they’ll stick with “USL Division One.” Currently the USL has the USL Championship (second division), USL League One (third division) and USL League Two (amateur).

Officials will be workshopping a name over the coming months (personally I’d go with USL Premiere, but nobody has asked me and I doubt they will).

As for number of clubs, the upstarts will have to follow U.S. Soccer Pro League Standards. The country’s governing body requires top-tier leagues to have at least 12 teams to start (scattered across the Eastern, Central and Pacific time zones) and 14 teams by year three; 75 percent or more of the clubs must be in metro markets of at least a million people; stadiums are required to be enclosed and have a minimum capacity of 15,000; and at least 75 percent of the teams must be based in the United States.

Sacramento Republic led the USL Championship in per game attendance last year (10,106) and is set to open a sparkling new stadium in 2027 that can seat up to 15,000. They’d be a logical flagship franchise for Division One.

Indy Eleven, Louisville City and New Mexico United all draw well and make strong cases for a spot. Albuquerque has the green light to give New Mexico United a permanent home stadium. And the Roots, who I mentioned earlier, have plans to build a 25,000-seat venue, so they’re in this for the long haul.

Currently only four USLC clubs (Birmingham Legion FC, Miami FC, Louisville and Oakland) have existing stadiums that meet U.S. Soccer requirements, but there’s plenty of time for cities to wrangle suitable venues.

Circling back to the Cosmos, they’re owned by Rocco Commisso and have been “on hiatus” since 2021. This would be a great time for him to breathe life back into the club and give the new league a familiar brand. And I’d like nothing better than to move my Cosmos ballcaps and T-Shirts from the “dormant” to the “active” pile.

I’m assuming the original 12 will be a mix of clubs we already know from the USL Championship and some newcomers Division One officials think can put butts in the seats.

Regardless, Forbes estimates that the average MLS club (there are 30) is worth $721 million, and average per game attendance in 2024 was 23,234. In other words, Commissioner Don Garber’s association football alliance is doing just fine.

Throw in the fact that the senior circuit is joined at the hip with U.S. Soccer, and that means this new enterprise has a long, rocky road ahead.

But, hopefully, it’s a road worth traveling. And personally, I’m looking forward to going along for the ride.