The XFL fails again. Twice the XFL has tried to get off the ground, and twice it has fallen. During each of these attempts, owner Vince McMahon has been the one leading the way.
The XFL Fails Again
XFL’s First Attempt
The league was founded in 1999, but had its first season two years later in 2001. The owners were the WWE and NBC, each owning 50 percent of the league. The first season was not successful. Even though the opener was successful, subsequent games were not as popular. The lack of popularity resulted in each party losing $35 million on a $100 million investment. In its decision to cease, McMahon kept ownership of the XFL. He announced his attempt to revive the league in 2018.
XFL’s Second Attempt
McMahon attempted to reform the XFL. A major difference was the 2020 league was not centered around professional wrestling characteristics. The buzz for the new league was mostly positive and highly anticipated. However, the league’s viewership said something different. In its opening week, the league achieved an average of 3.1 million views. By week 4, it decreased to an average of 1.4 million. The coronavirus pandemic then forced the league to cut the remainder of the season.
On April 10, 2020, it was announced that the organization would stop operating and lay off employees. On April 13, 2020, the league filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and put itself up for sale. In the Chapter 11 filing, the league reported assets and liabilities ranging from $10-50 million. Creditors include the St. Louis Sports Commission ($1.6 million), Bexel NEP ($1.2 million), coach Bob Stoops ($1.083 million), Marc Trestman ($777,777), Ticketmaster ($655,148), Jonathan Hayes ($633, 333), and MetLife Stadium ($368,000).
In the midst of the chaos, the league has given current players an opportunity that most can only dream of. Those who signed with the XFL signed with hopes of steadily playing the sport they love. Others played with hopes of signing with the NFL. Several of these players had their dreams come true and signed with an NFL team this off-season. These players include P.J. Walker (Carolina Panthers), Deatrick Nichols (New Orleans Saints), Jordan Ta’amu (Kansas City Chiefs), Cavon Walker (Pittsburgh Steelers), Jarron Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers), Tyree Kinnel (Pittsburgh Steelers), Christian Kunts (Pittsburgh Steelers), Dewayne Hendrix (Pittsburgh Steelers), Edmond Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and Khari Lee (Atlanta Falcons).
XFL in the Future
Will the XFL return in the future? Probably not. Unfortunately, this failure can largely be attributed to COVID-19, but there isn’t a sure way to tell if the views would have sustained the league anyway. For now, the XFL’s only legacy may be what the NFL could learn from it.
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