The XFL has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic (on Twitter). By going Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7, the XFL is enabling itself to renegotiate debts, rather than liquidating its assets. In theory, the Chapter 11 designation would also allow the XFL to continue operations. 
[RELATED: XFL Suspends Operations, Lays Off Employees]
Late last week, the XFL suspended its operations and laid off all of its employees. On a company-wide conference call to announce the news, COO Jeffery Pollock did not provide any indication that the league would reopen. The decision to go Chapter 11 instead of Chapter 7 does not mean that the league is planning to make another return, but it does leave the door open slightly. In reality, a second XFL comeback is probably the furthest thing from Vince McMahon‘s mind right now.
“The XFL quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people who love football,” the XFL said in a statement (via TMZ). “Unfortunately, as a new enterprise, we were not insulated from the harsh economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, we have filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.”
“This is a heartbreaking time for many, including our passionate fans, players and staff, and we are thankful to them, our television partners, and the many Americans who rallied to the XFL for the love of football.”
In the process, TMZ hears that the XFL has lost “tens of millions in revenue.” Still, the league paid its employees through April 12, weeks after the 2020 season was cancelled midway through. Meanwhile, XFL players have been freed to seek deals with NFL teams.
Well it was good while it lasted
Was it?
I’m curious if this is strictly corona related or if the league was bleeding money well before.
They budgeted a $350,000,000 loss for three years. After that they were hoping for a lucrative tv deal to make up the losses.
There are Pro team’s suffering all over. Losing tons of $$. The league basically had no shot once Covid took over.
It’s going to pain me to say this but Johnny Manziel was right… granted he had no idea of the pandemic. May have worked out otherwise possibly.
Manziel is an idiot. giving him credit for something as flukey as this is absurd. he was just salty they shunned him for being a perpetual idiot.
That’s true
The games were decent was kind of fun watching football at this time of year. Even though Seattle got the worst QB in the league they had a good turn out of fans.
I love Zorn he is a great guy met him a few times and at a football camp. Talked with him a lot because I was a center and he gave me tips on snapping the ball. He is not a head football coach. He is too nice and uncertain of play callings. The Redskins did not do him a favor by have him going from QB coach to HC.
Even if the XFL never comes back hopefully the NFL gets past their ego and uses some of the things the XFL implemented. The kick off is one of them. I am 50/50 on the extra point plan. It makes it interesting in a close game. I could care less about hearing coaches and players during the game. I think it takes their attention from the game. I do like hearing the replay officials and hearing why they did and did not overturn a call.
NFL should buy it 50% of it atleast and develop it into a development league like the g league but keep the new rules and keep its season at the same time.
It would double as a development league and as a build up to the NFL season
That is a really good idea!
KA-KAW
I’m a fan of Vince McMahon and I know he is not the kind of guy who would ever lie passively on the mat and take a ten count. When the economy recovers he will be back in the game even better than before.
the good thing is the XFL has already made a legacy. enough players seem to have revived their careers there in just a few games. i think we’ve seen that an alternate football league can work and so do the people with the money to fund such leagues. one day we’ll see one last, and that day is likely not far off.
I agree and think it makes far more sense to have such a league in the United States than pursue Goodell’s ridiculous plan to establish teams in foreign countries.