How does Major League Ultimate (MLU) differ from the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL)?

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When it comes to professional Ultimate Frisbee leagues, there are two main players: the Major League Ultimate (MLU) and the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL). Both have contributed significantly to the growth and popularity of the sport, but they do have a few key differences.

Diving into the Game Plan: MLU vs AUDL Structure and Format 🗺️

The MLU and AUDL have different structures and formats. The AUDL, founded in 2012, consists of 22 teams spread across four divisions (East, Midwest, West, and South). Each team plays a 12-game regular season, followed by playoffs and a championship game.

The MLU, on the other hand, was a smaller, two-conference league with eight teams in total before it ceased operations in 2016. Each team played a 10-game regular season, with the top teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs.

Comparison of AUDL and MLU League Structures, Team Distribution, and Season Formats

To better understand the differences between the AUDL and MLU, let's take a closer look at their league structures, team distribution, and season formats in the following table:

League	Founded	Number of Teams	Conferences	Regular Season Games	Playoffs
AUDL	2012	22	4 (East, Midwest, South, West)	12-16	Yes
MLU	2013	8	2 (Eastern, Western)	10	Yes

As you can see, while both leagues share some similarities, there are key differences in their structures and formats that set them apart. The AUDL's larger size and longer season, for example, contrast with the MLU's smaller, more concentrated format.

Playing by the Rules: Understanding MLU and AUDL Regulations 📜

While both leagues play by the 11th Edition of the Rules of Ultimate, there are some notable differences in the details. The AUDL has adopted a few unique rules like referees making calls instead of players, a larger field, and a shorter stall count. The MLU, before it ceased operations, also had referees but retained a smaller, traditional field size.

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Who's Watching? Comparing MLU and AUDL's Broadcasting Reach 📺

The AUDL has a broadcasting partnership with Fox Sports, which has helped it reach a wider audience. Games are regularly broadcasted live and on-demand, providing great exposure for the sport.

The MLU had a similar arrangement with Comcast SportsNet, and also streamed games live on their website. However, the AUDL has managed to maintain a more consistent presence in the broadcasting sphere.

This partnership has been a significant factor in the AUDL's growth, as highlighted by a tweet from the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds, an AUDL team.
    BREAKING: @theaudl and Fox Sports have signed an agreement to broadcast the AUDL Game of the Week on Fox Sports 2 (FS2) for the upcoming season.

Story: https://t.co/3mK2KYk0Ls https://t.co/qgZm1HLAUl
    &mdash; PGH Thunderbirds (@PGHThunderbirds)

The AUDL's arrangement with Fox Sports has not only increased the league's visibility but has also provided a platform for teams such as the Thunderbirds to reach their fans.

Show Me the Money: A Look at Player Support in MLU and AUDL 💰

Both leagues have made efforts to provide financial support for players, but they approach it differently. The AUDL offers players a small salary and covers travel expenses for away games. The MLU, during its active years, provided all players with a modest stipend and covered all travel and accommodation costs.

Breakdown of Player Compensation and Support in AUDL and MLU

AUDL: The American Ultimate Disc League offers its players a small salary. This is a set amount that players receive regardless of the number of games they play. In addition to this, the AUDL also covers the cost of travel for away games, ensuring that players do not have to bear this expense.
    MLU: The Major League Ultimate, during its active years, took a slightly different approach. Instead of a salary, players were given a modest stipend. This was a fixed sum of money given periodically to cover expenses. Furthermore, the MLU covered all travel and accommodation costs for players, which included both home and away games.