The XFL, which operated until 2023 before merging with the USFL to form the United Football League (UFL), developed several revenue streams during its existence. The league implemented various financial strategies to sustain operations during its spring football seasons.
Television Broadcasting Rights
Broadcasting deals provided essential revenue for the XFL. The league secured agreements with networks including ESPN, ABC, and FOX during its final iteration. These contracts delivered guaranteed income regardless of attendance numbers, while bringing XFL games to national audiences.
The television partnerships offered vital exposure for the developing league, helping build brand recognition among football fans. Networks paid for exclusive rights to broadcast games, creating a foundational revenue source.
Ticket Sales and Stadium Revenue
Game attendance generated direct income for XFL teams. The league’s franchises played in established venues across the country, with varying degrees of fan support.
Stadium revenue included:
- Standard ticket sales
- Premium seating packages
- Food and beverage sales
- Parking fees
- In-stadium merchandise
Several teams demonstrated strong local followings, with the St. Louis Battlehawks consistently drawing impressive crowds. This fan support translated to significant game-day revenue for certain markets.
Merchandise and Licensing
Official team merchandise created another revenue stream through multiple retail channels. The XFL sold jerseys, apparel, and collectibles through online platforms, stadium shops, and retail partners.
Licensing agreements allowed third-party manufacturers to produce XFL-branded products while paying royalties to the league. This expanded product availability without requiring direct manufacturing investment from the XFL.
Corporate Sponsorships
The XFL attracted various sponsorship deals that provided substantial funding. Companies paid for visibility through:
- League-wide sponsorships
- Team-specific partnerships
- Stadium signage
- Broadcast advertising
- Digital platform placement
The spring schedule positioned the XFL as an attractive option for football-focused brands seeking marketing opportunities during the NFL offseason.
Digital Content and Social Media
The league leveraged digital platforms to engage fans and create additional revenue through:
- Website advertising
- Social media content
- Mobile applications
- Digital subscriptions
- Fantasy football offerings
These channels provided direct communication with fans while generating supplemental income through advertising and partnerships.
Sports Betting Integration
Sports gambling created revenue opportunities for the XFL as legal betting expanded across the United States. The league embraced betting through partnerships with gambling operators and the development of betting-centric content.
Specialized betting options like the ABC Roll Up bet allowed fans to combine multiple selections into single wagers, increasing engagement with games. This betting integration often boosted viewership as bettors followed games to track their wagers.
Ownership Investment
The XFL relied significantly on ownership investment, particularly from Dany Garcia, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners who purchased the league in 2020. This ownership group provided capital necessary for operations while working to develop sustainable revenue streams.
Private investment covered operational costs during developmental phases when other revenue sources remained insufficient to fund league operations independently.
Controlled Player Compensation
The XFL implemented standardized player contracts rather than team-by-team salary negotiations. This structure created predictable labor costs while still offering competitive salaries to attract quality players.
By controlling salary expenses, the league directed resources toward fan experience, marketing initiatives, and other growth priorities.
Centralized League Structure
Unlike the NFL’s franchise model, the XFL operated with centralized ownership of all teams. This structure eliminated competing financial interests between teams and the league office, allowing for coordinated business decisions.
The approach permitted targeted resource allocation based on league-wide priorities rather than individual team profitability concerns.
Despite these revenue strategies, the XFL ultimately merged with the USFL following the 2023 season, combining resources to form the UFL which began play in 2024. The merger represented a consolidation of spring football leagues seeking financial sustainability through combined fan bases and operational efficiencies.
