The XFL (Xtreme Football League) was a professional American football league founded by Vince McMahon, the CEO of WWE, in 2001. It was intended to be a more extreme and entertaining version of the NFL, with rule changes and innovations designed to create a faster-paced and more exciting game.
Photo courtesy of XFL
The league consisted of eight teams, based primarily in mid-sized markets such as Las Vegas, Orlando, and Birmingham. The teams played a 10-game regular season schedule, followed by two rounds of playoffs and a championship game.
Despite strong initial television ratings and attendance, the XFL struggled to maintain its momentum throughout the season. Critics and fans alike criticized the league for its low quality of play, lack of star power, and over-the-top presentation, which included on-field interviews with players and cheerleaders.
Following the conclusion of the inaugural season, the XFL folded due to financial losses and lack of interest. However, in 2020, the league was relaunched with a new ownership group and a renewed focus on innovation and entertainment. Unfortunately, the relaunch was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the league filed for bankruptcy in April 2020.
In August 2020, a group consisting of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, his business partner Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners purchased the assets of the XFL for $15 million, after the league had filed for bankruptcy earlier that year. Johnson, a former professional wrestler and Hollywood actor, had previously played college football at the University of Miami and had expressed interest in owning a sports league.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Johnson and his partners have expressed a commitment to revitalizing the XFL and making it a long-term success. They plan to focus on creating a fan-friendly experience and incorporating new technologies and innovations to make the game more exciting. They have also stated their intention to prioritize the safety and well-being of the players, including establishing a COVID-19 testing protocol.
The XFL's relaunch is planned for 2023, with a schedule of 10 games per team and a postseason consisting of two rounds of playoffs and a championship game. The league has announced that it will feature eight teams, with locations and team names to be announced at a later date.
As a co-owner of the XFL, The Rock will play a major role in shaping the league's direction and promoting its success. His star power and business acumen could prove valuable in attracting fans and sponsors to the league, and his passion for football could help to create a compelling product on the field.
