We do fondly remember the USFL because we won it the first year, but after only one more season they merged into the Oakland Invaders.
I listened to a book about the USFL "Football For A Buck". It was when my dog was younger and we could go for long walks. Very interesting stories and some of the franchises did really well. Tampa Bay, Denver, Birmingham were making money but the rest of the league couldn't get any footing. Some teams moved each of the 3 years. The Breakers were in Boston, Orlando and New Orleans. The Pittsburgh Maulers were a disaster.
The difference with the USFL compared to other leagues is that the USFL went after guys the NFL were going after, big name stars and landed some of them. Some people forget Steve Young was with the LA Express before the NFL and Jim Kelly played for the Houston Gamblers. I think they might have held on for a 4th or 5th season if Trump hadn't destroyed it with his ego.
I don't think they are going to go after the star players the NFL wants. They can't afford those contracts now. Back in the 80s they almost could.
Best thing to hope for is that it's almost like a minor league system (Almost), but it doesn't sound like the NFL wants to work with them at all. Already complaining about the name Panthers. The USFL had it first.
I don't think it survives beyond 2 seasons, but I do think they are going to try it that second season in the home cities. I am pretty sure it's going to be at Wayne State. Parking issues can be resolved.