XFL
WWE CEO Vince McMahon founded a pro football league that he hoped would have faster and simpler play than the NFL. After an initial 2001 season that experienced a mixed bag of success and viewership, the league folded, costing McMahon and his partner, NBC executive Dick Ebersol, $35 million.
McMahon attempted to reboot the XFL in 2018, hiring a commissioner Oliver Luck, and announcing its eight host cities. Its first game took place on February 8, 2020. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic forced the XFL to shut down after its fifth week. A month later, the league filed for bankruptcy, setting into motion negotiations that culminated in actor and former WWE star Dwayne Johnson, along with his partners, buying the team for $15 million. Co-investor Dany Garcia announced that the next XFL season would begin on February 18, 2023.
- Founded: 2001
- Founder: Vince McMahon (rebooted in 2018 and 2023)
- Owners: RedBird Capital, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson
- Headquarters: Arlington, Texas
- Teams: 8
- Team names: Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, San Antonio Brahmas, Seattle Sea Dragons, St. Louis Battlehawks, Vegas Vipers
Featured articles:
XFL Teams: What You Need to Know About the 8 Squads Kicking Off in 2023
XFL Coaches: Familiar Names Lead the Teams in the New XFL
The Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck XFL Marriage Was Destined for Divorce
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Read the latest articles about the XFL:
A look at what happened to Rod Smart, the running back who rose to stardom as “He Hate Me” in the XFL before moving on to the NFL.
In 2001, the original XFL failed miserably. Almost two decades later, though, the new XFL seems to be doing something right.
The XFL officiating crew made a mistake at the end of the game between Houston and Seattle. The league was quick to admit the error.
The AAF crashed and burned after a strong opening weekend. Is the XFL following the same path or is it here to stay?
While the XFL is miles away from the NFL, it's still professional football. How much money do XFL head coaches like Bob Stoops make?
The XFL rules for overtime are much different than what currently happens in the National Football League and the NCAA.
Through the first three weeks of their season, the XFL has changed kickoffs for the better. Could their rule changes really make it to the NFL?
With no prospect of playing pro football again any time soon, 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel lit up Twitter over the weekend.
The reboot of the XFL has gotten off to a good start. Here's a look at how many teams make the playoffs and when the title game takes place.
After crashing out of the NFL, Johnny Manziel has played in the CFL and AAF. Could the quarterback make a comeback in the XFL?
