United Cup 8

United Cup 8 took place on July 18, 2021 and was the eighth annual championship game of the United Football League, and featured the Connecticut Stampede representing the Atlantic Conference for the first time since 2017, and the Seattle Avengers representing the Pacific Conference. The game was hosted in the Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. This was the Stampede's third appearance in the United Cup game and the Avengers' first. This was also the first league championship game to be referred to as the United Cup.
The Avengers would defeat the Stampede 34-30, winning their first United Cup in franchise history. 
After the season, Ty Gangi would sign a new contract with the Avengers following the expiration of his league-paid rookie contract. Days later, he would be traded to the Fargo Oilers for a package of future draft picks despite winning the league's championship due to the cost of his contract. This would generate controversy from the rest of the league, as Gangi agreed to the contract before the Avengers made the decision to trade his contract. Calls for the contract and trade to be voided by the league would be refused by Gangi himself, who accepted to be traded to the Oilers. Future calls to limit the ability of a team to trade players directly after signing them to new contracts would be made. As of 2023, this is the most recent time that the Avengers have made the playoffs, having missed the postseason each year since. Stampede quarterback Ross Comis was also due for a contract extension following the season, eventually signing a $34.8 million dollar, 6-year contract extension through the 2027 VFL Season.
United Cup Chronology
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United Cup 7	United Cup 8	United Cup 9