Anyone watch the initial game? My regional broadcast was the ATL/ORL game.
I thought the product on the field was quality football. Certainly better than arena ball and XFL (in its previous iteration...the quality of the new version is tbd) and about on par with NFL Europe.
Some familiar names and faces on the field, but the star power is on the sidelines and in the front offices. I didn't realize Bill Polian was co-founder of the league...that's instant credibility. It's always fun to watch Spurrier coach (even though he is getting old as fuck and it's unsettling to see him at less than 100%) but this league is emphasizing transparency, so you get bonus SOS with lots of audio during the game.
In the spirit of transparency, you also get to listen in as the officials review plays (quickly and without all the foot dragging that the NFL and CFB engage in.)
I think the biggest problem they have (based on my one game experience) is getting the broadcast booth to quit acting surprised at the product's quality. I understand Gary Danielson was there to lend some football credibility and won't likely be a full-time broadcaster, but the league needs everyone with a microphone to drop phrases like "good enough" or "better than expected." That's a fine line, I suppose (spontaneous response from the booth vs scripted corporate jargon), but you still want the product "sold" by people that believe in it.
TL/DR: was pretty good and I'll probably watch the B'ham game today. 3pm.