Earlier this year the big news was that the CFL and XFL were discussing a possible business relationship. Both sides were tight-lipped during the talks, but ultimately they both issued statements that they would go their own ways for now. This was also when the XFL officially postponed their return to 2023.
Other than a few teases from co-owner Dany Garcia, there wasn’t any news until November when the XFL announced their first set of hires under the new ownership group.
Shortly after the talks with the CFL concluded, rumors started making the rounds that the Toronto Argonauts may jump ship to the XFL when the league returns. Back when these reports first surfaced, TSN’s Dave Naylor believed that it stemmed from the fact that Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) were the ones leading the charge for a possible CFL/XFL collab.
As for speculation the @TorontoArgos could leave @CFL for @XFL in 2023 … I believe that is derived from the fact MLSE is known to have been the most bullish on the CFL collaborating with XFL. It didn’t turn-out the way they hoped … so would they go it alone? I have no idea.
— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) July 9, 2021
Since then we haven’t heard much, but now with the CFL season in the books the rumor mill is back at it. Damien Cox of The Star writes that he believes that MLSE may fold or sell the team, or possibly join the XFL in 2023.
The no-name Argos, led by coach-of-the-year nominee Ryan Dinwiddie, managed to finish 9-5 to capture first place in the East Division. But attendance amidst pandemic restrictions has been horrific, less than 9,800 per game, and the rumour mill suggests MLSE might fold or sell the team after this season, or convert it into an XFL franchise when that league returns in the spring of 2023. The XFL recently announced several league hires, including former Buffalo Bills executive Russ Brandon, but still doesn’t have any teams or stadiums.
For the moment, it doesn’t seem to be something that is publicly being pushed out by the Argos ownership group. If I had to wager on if we’ll see MLSE move the franchise to the XFL in 2023 I’d be doubtful. That being said, anything can happen when it comes to business. Needless to say, I wouldn’t hold your breath.
The Argos are set to take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats this Sunday, and with a win they’ll be headed to this years Grey Gup.
That being said, we’re excited to see what the XFL has up their sleeves for 2023. With the first round of hires under their belt, we expect to start hearing more news in the near future.
Would you like to see the Toronto Argonauts in the XFL? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
