The United States Football League (USFL) recently filed new trademarks, sparking conversations and speculations about potential league expansion and team relocation. The trademarks were filed on April 25 and include several team names, some of which are legacy USFL teams and others that are completely new cities with old names.

Among the new trademarks are the Austin Wranglers, Baltimore Stars, Boston Breakers, Dallas Stallions, Denver Gold, Los Angeles Express, Oklahoma Outlaws, Portland Breakers, and San Antonio Gunslingers.

It has been noted that the San Antonio Gunslingers name is currently in use by a team in the National Arena League (NAL), which could lead to a legal battle over the name. Additionally, the Austin Wranglers trademark was previously used by an Arena Football League team from 2004 to 2008.

The Dallas Stallions trademark is particularly interesting, as it is unclear whether the USFL would move the Stallions name from Birmingham. But all of this speculation could be more house keeping than any actual move in 2024.

While the new trademarks do not guarantee team relocation or expansion, it is clear that the USFL if anything, is covering their bases. As the league continues to develop, fans will be watching closely to see how these new trademarks play a role in the USFL’s growth.

“No one should read into this that this is anything other than legal housekeeping to protect old IPs,” a USFL official said.