The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of football—one weekend every year, fans come together to witness elite playmaking, thrilling drama, and often, lessons for other leagues. For the XFL, a spring league that is continually evolving and growing its fan base, the latest NFL championship offered several key takeaways. From player dynamics to strategy and operations, the Super Bowl can serve as a playbook to fine-tune the XFL’s approach in delivering competitive, entertaining football.
What Can the XFL Learn from the NFL’s Biggest Game?
The XFL may be an alternate league, but it has the opportunity to draw inspiration from the NFL’s successes and even its shortcomings. Whether it’s improving player development, offering unique viewing experiences, or refining game strategy, the XFL can lean into what makes the NFL—and specifically the SuperBowl—so compelling.
1. Build Star Power and Dynamic Narratives
NFL teams don’t just rely on pure talent—they thrive on dynamic, big-name players who bring personality and drama to the field. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce weren’t just football stars for the Kansas City Chiefs; they were storytellers and game-changers whose presence made the matches compelling.
For the XFL, shining a light on highly skilled players with strong personalities could be a game-changer. Whether through player-focused content, engaging interviews, or social media updates, creating stars will give fans more reasons to tune in than just the scoreboard.
Takeaway: Highlight players’ off-field stories. Who’s training relentlessly? Who’s trying to make a comeback? Lean into the drama because fans love it.
2. Leverage Defense to Create Drama
The Eagles’ defensive line wreaked havoc throughout Super Bowl LIX, sacking Patrick Mahomes six times without blitzing. This level of defensive dominance created real tension and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The XFL can emphasize dynamic defensive plays to up the excitement in its games. Building stronger defensive lines can encourage teams to focus on creating matchups and mismatches, leading to jaw-dropping sacks, heart-pounding interceptions, and thrilling turnovers.
Takeaway: Use defense not just as a tool to stop plays but as a way to keep fans engaged and guessing.
3. Invest in Trenches for All-Around Competitiveness
A major lesson from the Super Bowl is the significance of the offensive and defensive lines. The Eagles’ ability to dominate the trenches gave them an edge, while Kansas City’s struggles on their offensive line ultimately cost them the NFL game.
The XFL could focus on fostering trench play by developing linemen who can adapt to high-pressure situations. Ensuring tighter performances in these critical areas can elevate the quality of competition across the league.
Takeaway: Tough, well-prepared linemen make for more assertive and exciting gameplay—and fewer blowout losses.
4. Enhance the Viewing Experience with Exciting Innovations
One area where the XFL can stand out is through innovative viewing experiences. The Super Bowl offers everything from high-quality visuals to player mic-ups, making each moment feel larger than life. The XFL already has a unique edge with features like live play-calling and access to the coaches’ huddles, but there’s room to do even more. Imagine real-time analytics on-screen or player-cam views during pivotal plays.
Takeaway: Keep innovating and deliver experiences beyond what fans expect from traditional football broadcasts.
5. Learn from Officiating and Game Pace
Whether it’s controversial calls or lagging pace, the Super Bowl has had its fair share of criticism. The XFL could seize this as an opportunity to get it right. Streamlining reviews, maintaining transparency with officiating decisions, and keeping games fast-paced could make the league more fan-friendly than the NFL.
Takeaway: Ensure officiating is sharp and transparent while keeping gameplay lively—no one likes excessive delays or confusing rulings.
Where the XFL Already Wins
The XFL has a distinct edge. Its spring season means it doesn’t compete directly with the NFL for attention. Its focus on accessible, fan-first experiences—cheaper tickets, unique team access, and lower barriers for player scouting—sets it apart further.
With the right changes inspired by lessons from the NFL, the XFL can continue carving out its niche, bridging the gap for fans eager for football action between February and September.
