The XFL was a hit when it relaunched in 2020, had it not been for COVID there’s no doubt that the league would have never suspended operations. After being forced to suspend their season halfway through they had no choice but to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
After a few months in court and many potential buyers requesting information, it was revealed that the league would be purchased by Dany Garcia, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and RedBird Capital for $15M.
After the purchase there wasn’t a lot of news, other than the random tease from co-owner Dany Garcia. That was until earlier this year when the CFL and XFL announced they were officially talking about a possible business partnership. Many months went by without a peep from either side, but shortly before the CFL season kicked off they revealed that they would be going their own way for now.
It wasn’t until early November that we finally had some official news from the league. Kicking off the month they revealed their first set of hires under the new ownership group. The list was headlines by the new league president, Russ Brandon. We also saw a good number of folks coming back to the league, Doug Whaley being a major return.
With executives in place for the XFL, we’re starting to see more action. Earlier this month Dany Garcia shared some images from an XFL meeting in December that revealed that the league was targeting a Feb. 18th, 2023 kickoff.
With a target in place, the league seems to actively be looking for the next generation of XFL players. Yesterday the FCS Bowl tweeted that they had scouts from the CFL, NFL and XFL in attendance to check out the recruits.
#NFL @CFL and @XFL2023 Scouts heavily represented The 2021 @FCSBOWL in @DaytonaBeachFun @DaytonaStadium @NFLDraftBlitz @FCSScout @FBallGameplan @BrianMacWriter pic.twitter.com/4grNHsVYgZ
— FCS BOWL (@FCSBOWL) December 10, 2021
In the images they shared on social media, you can see the Doug Whaley in the crowd putting in work for the XFL.
This marks the first time (that we know of) that the XFL has been scouting in an official capacity since they shuttered in 2020.
We expect to hear a lot more XFL news as we roll into 2022. Comparing timelines to the leadup to 2020, we’re on track with what we knew then. Additionally, there’s a lot of things we know already, pending that the teams stay the same. Although, it’s expected to be a least a change or two.
The XFL has closed its online shop for the time being, but state that it will return next year. We’re hoping that it’s sooner rather than later, and that there’s some news to go along with it.
Are you excited about the return of the XFL? Who would you like to see play in 2023? Let us know down in the comments below or join the conversation on Discord.
