The XFL, owned by Dani Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, may merge with the USFL.
The XFL was purchased by Garcia, Johnson, and RedBird Capital in 2021 after Vince McMahon shut down the league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league made a deal with Disney to broadcast games on ESPN, FX, and ABC.
The inaugural season took place earlier this year, with the Arlington Renegades winning the championship.
Axios.com reports that the XFL is in advanced talks to merge with the USFL, with a 50/50 merger and games broadcast on FOX and Disney-owned stations. Sportico also reports the two leagues are in talks.
The XFL, owned by Dani Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, is making headlines once again as rumors of a potential merger with the USFL start to circulate. This news comes after the XFL was purchased by Garcia, Johnson, and RedBird Capital in 2021, following the league’s shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the league’s future uncertain at that time, the new ownership group stepped in to revive and reshape the XFL.
One of the first major moves made by the new owners was securing a broadcasting deal with Disney. This partnership allowed XFL games to be aired on popular networks such as ESPN, FX, and ABC. This move was crucial in increasing the league’s visibility and attracting a larger audience. The inaugural season of the revamped XFL took place earlier this year, with the Arlington Renegades emerging as the champions.
Now, reports from Axios.com and Sportico suggest that the XFL is engaged in advanced talks to merge with the USFL. The proposed merger would involve a 50/50 partnership between the two leagues and games being broadcast on FOX and Disney-owned stations. This potential merger has sparked excitement among football fans and industry insiders alike, as it could create a stronger and more competitive alternative to the NFL.
The USFL, which originally operated from 1983 to 1987, has a rich history in American football. It featured notable players such as Steve Young, Reggie White, and Jim Kelly. The league’s revival has been in discussion for some time, and a merger with the XFL could provide the necessary resources and expertise to bring it back to life.
The combination of the XFL’s recent success and the USFL’s legacy could create a compelling product for fans. The merger would bring together two ownership groups with deep pockets and strong connections in the entertainment industry. This could result in increased financial stability for the league and open doors to new opportunities for players, coaches, and staff.
Furthermore, the potential merger would provide a wider platform for aspiring football players to showcase their skills and potentially make it to the NFL. The XFL has already proven to be a valuable talent pool, with several players earning contracts with NFL teams after the league’s relaunch. A merger with the USFL would only enhance these opportunities and create a more robust development system for young athletes.
While talks are still ongoing, the potential merger between the XFL and the USFL has generated significant buzz within the sports community. Fans eagerly await further updates and announcements regarding this exciting development. If successful, this merger could mark a new era for alternative football leagues in the United States, offering fans a fresh and competitive product to enjoy alongside the NFL.