The trophy will be in the building.
Since April 15, eight teams have competed for the chance to be the last one standing. And as the reimagined version of the USFL nears a conclusion to Season 2, two teams will be left with a chance at glory.
The first finalist came from the North Division, the Pittsburgh Maulers. They outlasted the Michigan Panthers in a 31-27 overtime thriller. Their opponent will be the defending league champion Birmingham Stallions, who routed the New Orleans Breakers 47-22 in the South Division title game.
Pittsburgh's defense has been its calling card all season, but its offense stole the show in the opening round of the playoffs. That performance should be encouraging to the Maulers' coaching staff and fans ahead of a title game that will likely involve plenty of scoring.
MORE: Watch USFL championship game live on Fubo (free trial)
That development seems more probable after seeing what Birmingham's offense did to New Orleans' defense. Quarterback Alex McGough totaled 394 yards (310 passing, 84 rushing) and five touchdowns (four passing, one rushing). The Stallions led 40-7 after three quarters.
The league played every regular-season game of its inaugural season in Birmingham, Ala., so it was a welcome sight to see the playoffs and championship game take place at the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. In 2023, the league expanded to four host cities, but perhaps its most prestigious one got the biggest game. Canton will again be home to the USFL championship.
With all eyes on the event, players like McGough will be hoping to showcase themselves and earn an invitation to an NFL training camp at the end of July.
The Stallions captured the first championship in modern USFL history; which they take home the title again in 2023? The Sporting News has everything you need to know to tune in and watch.
MORE: What you need to know about the 2023 USFL playoff schedule
USFL championship game date, time
- Date: Saturday, July 1
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
The USFL championship game between the Stallions and Maulers is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 1. It will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
What channel is the USFL championship game on?
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock, Fubo
The USFL championship game between the Stallions and Maulers will be broadcast on NBC. Streaming options for cord-cutters include Peacock and Fubo, which comes with a free trial.
USFL championship game odds
This section will be updated once odds become available.
USFL playoff schedule
Division championships
Saturday, June 24
| Result |
| Maulers 31, Panthers 27 (OT) |
Sunday, June 25
| Result |
| Stallions 47, Breakers 22 |
Saturday, July 1
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Location | TV | Live stream |
| Maulers vs. Stallions | 8 p.m. | Canton | NBC | Peacock, Fubo |