Several rumors in recent months have given way to a great deal of speculation regarding the possibility of the New York Sentinels relocating to Hartford for the United Football League’s second season.  The issue became more widely contested after the New York Post indicated in January that the move was certain to happen.  When you look at the data comparing each of these markets, the pros and cons of keeping a UFL franchise in New York are fairly evident:

Hartford
Population (including greater metropolitan area): 1,188,241
Television Market Ranking: 28
Stadium: Rentschler Field (capacity: 40,000)
Other Major Pro Sports Team(s): [none]
Former Outdoor Pro Football Team(s): Hartford Blues (NFL)

New York
Population (including greater metropolitan area): 19,006,798
Television Market Ranking: 1
Stadium: Citi Field (capacity: 41,800); Yankee Stadium (capacity: 50,086); James M. Shuart Stadium in Hamstead, New York (capacity: 15,000)
Other Major Pro Sports Team(s): New York Giants (NFL); New York Jets (NFL); New York Yankees (MLB); New York Mets (MLB); New York Knicks (NBA); New York Rangers (NHL); New York Islanders (NHL); New York Red Bulls (MLS)
Former Outdoor Pro Football Team(s): New York/New Jersey Hitmen (XFL); New York/New Jersey Knights (WLAF); New York Stars (WFL); New York Yankees/Americans (AFL-1940); New York Yankees (NFL/AFL-1926)

New York City is by far the top television market and highest populated city in the United States.  Leaving New York means leaving the most lucrative media market in the world and likely leaving behind larger contracts with sponsors.  Building longevity in NYC could have significant rewards since there are so many consumers condensed into one vast city.  However, building that longevity could come at a significant cost to the UFL.  In fact, New York Mets ownership had asked for half a million dollars to host just one Sentinels game at Citi Field during the 2009 season.  There is no guarantee if and when financing a UFL franchise in the city would pay for itself.

NYC is home to several major professional sports organizations (including two NFL football teams), and the UFL presently lacks the clout to make a dent in the NYC sports market.  It is a saturated industry that has left behind a trail of dead alternative football leagues unable to draw a large enough television audience to survive.  Even the New York Titans/Jets of the 1960’s American Football League faced some adversity like averaging only a little over 5000 in attendance at the Polo Grounds during the 1962 season.

Hartford, on the other hand, is a top 30 television market that currently has a loyal NCAA fan base but no major professional sports, which makes it an obvious target location for a UFL franchise.  A Hartford team may not have the potential to tap an NYC sized market but may appeal to television audiences in surrounding areas that include New York State, New Jersey, and various parts of New England that neighbor Connecticut.  When compared to other U.S. markets with no NFL football, Hartford stands out as one with strong potential.

To sum up, the operating expenses of a UFL franchise in NYC likely do not justify keeping a franchise in the city.  There will be no return on that investment for an indefinite period of time.  The UFL is still trying to build its own brand and may be wise to reconsider NYC after the league has better established itself in smaller markets.  But, as long as the league is anticipating an early loss on investments, the smaller markets with lower operating expenses and less competition from other major sports leagues are a better fit for the UFL.