New team can get its players 3 ways

Orlando’s team in the Alliance of American Football has yet to sign its first player.

At least coach Steve Spurrier knows now how Orlando will get those players.

Players will be allocated in three phases, the Alliance announced this week. The first phase will be based on where a player competed in college. If a player is not assigned by that criterion, then the second portion of the allocation process — a player’s most recent NFL or CFL team — will be considered. If neither of those two conditions applies, then a player would be free to sign with any of the Alliance’s eight teams.

Players from the following colleges will be assigned to Orlando: UCF, UF, FSU, Miami, USF, Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, Jacksonville, Stetson, Florida Tech and West Florida.

Players who played most recently for the following pro teams would be available for Orlando: the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and Jets, and the CFL’s Hamilton TigerCats.

The Alliance announced players will be signed to three-year contracts with a $250,000 minimum salary. Players can earn more based on performance, victories and fan engagement.

Besides Orlando, the Alliance will field teams in Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis, Phoenix, Salt Lake, San Antonio and San Diego.

The Alliance’s first season will begin in February. The Orlando team will play its home games at Spectrum Stadium.