What is the XFL, and does it still exist?

 

What transpired with the alternative to the NFL?

As American football prepares for its pinnacle event of the season, the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, viewers have alternatives to the NFL, notably the XFL.

The XFL, now in its third iteration, was first introduced in 2001 for a single season, followed by a unsuccessful relaunch in 2020. The current revival commenced in 2023.

The original XFL, initiated in 2001 by former WWE owner Vince McMahon in collaboration with NBC, aimed to capitalize on the post-Super Bowl and off-season football fervor. Marketed as an 'alternative' to the NFL, the XFL adopted a more intense and 'violent' style akin to WWE programming. Despite a promising start, interest waned due to the game quality, leading to its demise after just one season. McMahon retained the trademark and attempted a relaunch in 2020, but it was cut short after a single season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, new ownership, comprising Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital, assumed control of the league, positioning it as a viable alternative to the NFL.

As of September 2023, the XFL announced its merger with the USFL to establish the United Football League, with the inaugural season scheduled to commence on March 30.