The XFL

[ihavemyreasons]

Watched the first game of the revived XFL.
Well, it was football.

[goflyblind]

[Pak-Man]

[George-2.0]

Boy, that was ugly.

Ugly play, ugly uniforms... I barely watch the NFL anymore, so It's unlikely I'll stick around with this slower, minor league game. But hey, I gave it a try.

[ihavemyreasons]

Presentation is well done and the annoucers are more knowledgeable and less annoying than most of the NFL announcers, but yeah, on field play is several notches below most college games. Hope they suceed just because of when they play.
Only 8 teams and team names all pretty terrible.

[Cyrusso]

Why on Earth would they bring back the XFL? I mean, I don't really care one way or the other honestly but what person who is the least bit business savvy is going to invest in an idea nearly 2 decades old and flopped within a couple months of it's original premiere?

[Darth Geek]

Why on Earth would they bring back the XFL? I mean, I don't really care one way or the other honestly but what person who is the least bit business savvy is going to invest in an idea nearly 2 decades old and flopped within a couple months of it's original premiere?

Yeah, I don't get it either. I'm not a football fan, but I remember back in 2000 when the original XFL was a thing and even back then it was a joke. A lame attempt to "EXTREME!" up football, when the extreme fad of the 90s was already waning.

[ihavemyreasons]

The iteration of the XFL is minus all the silly non-football stuff that was part of the first go round. They do have some strange rules you don't see in other leagues- but they're game play rules related to kickoffs and extra points.
Why was it brought back after failing before? That's easy. Money. Rights fees for sports have gone through the roof since the first XFL attempt. If networks can pull in even a 6th of the NFL ratings while paying 1/100th of the prices (numbers made up) then it's a big win for them and gives them some leverage when negotiating with the NFL.

[Darth Geek]

The iteration of the XFL is minus all the silly non-football stuff that was part of the first go round. They do have some strange rules you don't see in other leagues- but they're game play rules related to kickoffs and extra points.
Why was it brought back after failing before? That's easy. Money. Rights fees for sports have gone through the roof since the first XFL attempt. If networks can pull in even a 6th of the NFL ratings while paying 1/100th of the prices (numbers made up) then it's a big win for them and gives them some leverage when negotiating with the NFL.

Yeah, but how long is it going to take for the rights fees to jack up if there is even a hint of demand?

[ihavemyreasons]

Being able to jack up the rights fees is what the new XFL/Vince McMahon is betting on. I don't see it catching on to the point of ever coming close to bringing in NFL per game money, but a profit of any kind would have to be seen as a success.

[RVR II]

 XFL Files For Bankruptcy Lost '10s Of Millions' Due To COVID-19
https://www.tmz.com/2020/04/13/xfl-bankruptcy-league-fold-millions-lay-offs/

The XFL -- Vince McMahon's pro football league -- has officially filed for bankruptcy ... just days after folding the league, TMZ Sports has learned.

A league spokesperson tells us, "The XFL quickly captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of people who love football."

"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."

Sources tell us ... the COVID-19 pandemic, which essentially shut down the league -- caused the XFL to lose "tens of millions in revenue" since it wiped out regular season games and playoff games.

We're told ... despite the financial blow, employees were paid full wages up until April 12 as well as any accrued vacation days.

We're also told the XFL will refund ticket holders, and are currently in that process.

As for the filing, we're told the timing was to maximize the return investors.

Among the creditors ... XFL lists head coaches Bob Stoops ($1,083,333.33), Mark Trestman ($777,777.78), Jonathan Hayes ($633,333.33), Winston Moss ($583,333.33) and others.

Story developing ...

[The Lurker]

It was probably going to happen eventually, even without Covid-19

[ihavemyreasons]

Wow...with the money McMahon put into XFL 2.0 I thought it would take 2 or 3 to go under. Kind of think COVID is just the excuse being used, cause it was losing money every week any way.

[ihavemyreasons]

Rumors are that Vince McMahon is going to buy the XFL out of bankruptcy. So either bankruptcy a total sham to shed debt or Vince reconsidered and wants to keep his dream alive. Either way, going to be even tougher to revive a 3rd time and would think any stadium, ticket holder, vendor, etc that was owned money will pass on XFL Mach 3.

[ihavemyreasons]

XFL Mach III - finally the Rock bought a football league out of bankruptcy starts this weekend. Only know due to having seen a couple of commercials. Not going go out of my way to watch - expect it will be more sub-college level play - but hope they at least picked new team names and improved on the terrible uniform designs