Previously planning a 2022 relaunch, the XFL has pushed back its return timetable. The league is now aiming to come back in 2023. This comes shortly after the months-long XFL-CFL talks did not produce a partnership.
“While our discussions with the CFL did not ultimately lead to a collaboration, the effort reinforced our belief and commitment to developing the XFL for international spring football,” an XFL statement reads, via SportsBusiness Journal’s Ben Fischer (on Twitter). “We look forward to seeing everyone for kickoff in spring of 2023.”
[RELATED: CFL, XFL Will Not Pursue Partnership]
Attempting to reboot for a second time, the XFL has evidently determined a 2022 return would create too many challenges. The league release interestingly uses “international spring football,” pointing to the retooling operation potentially being open to housing teams beyond U.S. borders. The XFL’s talks with the CFL provided a good indication the in-hiatus league was open to either having its teams face off against non-American squads or merging with a non-American outfit.
The XFL and CFL engaged in talks that involved a possible championship game between the leagues, with the prospect of a merger also coming up. But the far more established Canadian league is moving on. After the COVID-19 pandemic led to the CFL canceling its 2020 season, the league is set to begin its 2021 campaign next month. The pandemic-induced uncertainty likely led to the leagues’ discussions.
The second XFL effort began reasonably well, until the pandemic halted the season midway through. This led to a messy legal situation and the league being put up for sale. Dwayne Johnson led a resurrection effort, acquiring the XFL last year. While the Alliance of American Football’s midseason demise and the XFL’s in-season shutdown a year later painted a dim picture for spring football in America, the latter remains intent on proving it can work.
I hope it works out! We need more sports entertainment to keep us going
Wrong! We need less quantity and more quality.
The XFL was as high quality as a non-NFL football league was going to get, I think. The AAFL didn’t look too bad on all honesty either-their problem was bungled financials and a misleading owner who “bailed” them out and then withdrew his support after a month or two. The XFL was much more stable, up until the pandemic cancelled their revenue stream. I’d like to see what they do, even with that dumb name.
Stop-just STOP IT! Lol how embarrassing
Stop what?
It’s over with
Was it really necessary to post 2 articles that are basically the same? Trying to meet a quota?
These present different info I guess they could be one but each has different news piece
This one has a return date for the XFL.
Awe Son of a