As the XFL prepares to relaunch, a partnership with the NFL promises to provide the best possible foundations for the third attempt at making the league a success.
Hollywood glamor
Through the involvement of new owners Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, the XFL certainly has the ideal prerequisites to increase its popularity. There is already a five-year deal in place to broadcast all 43 XFL fixtures next season. The agreement will result in the league featuring on ESPN, FX, and the ABC commercial network. This creates an opportunity for the XFL to achieve a presence in the wider entertainment industry.
In this respect, the XFL will be aiming to emulate its new partner the NFL, which has grown in popularity in countries around the world. The number of NFL fans has increased in North American countries such as Mexico and Canada, but also in Brazil, South Korea, and European countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. One factor contributing to the popularity of the NFL beyond North America is the number of people being able to engage with the sport through betting. In the outright Super Bowl betting market, bet365 has the Buffalo Bills as current favorites to win at +600, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are second favorites, priced at +700. New players also have the opportunity to sign-up with bet365 bonus Code. PlayUp, formerly known as Madbookie, also offers a wide range of NFL markets.
Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, praised the innovative principles of the XFL and the contribution the league can make to American football: “We are hopeful that this relationship will support further development and improvements in the game of football at all levels.”
More than just a feeder league
Rather than function as a feeder league, XFL president Russ Brandon told ESPN that he envisions the partnership functioning as a petri dish for the NFL, which will involve experimenting with proposed rule changes, testing innovations in the form of new equipment as well as developing future officials and coaches.
The checkered history of the XFL
It is hoped that it will be third time lucky for the XFL league. The first iteration of the XFL was launched back in 2001 by Vince McMahon, chief executive of the WWE, but lasted just one season. In 2020, McMahon tried again, but the league was forced to end the season prematurely after filing for bankruptcy. The Rock, along with Garcia and RedBird Capital purchased the XFL for around $15 million, which could prove to be a bargain if the league is able to fulfil its potential.
The XFL season will kick off on 18 February 2023 and USA TODAY has reported that host cities have been confirmed as Seattle, Las Vegas, St. Louis, San Antonio, Arlington, Houston, Washington D.C., and Orlando.
The XFL has been given a boost by the partnership with the NFL, which should enable a successful relaunch of the league. The involvement of The Rock will be crucial as the actor is able to promote the league to his vast army of fans across social media.
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