Big dreams have always been present in the XFL: more football for supporters, greater opportunities for players, and a new take on the game. Still, it has not been easy to establish a spring football league that can survive in America. The XFL came and went twice over the years. First in 2001, then again in 2020.
Then came 2023. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his associates brought the XFL back once more, but this time it wasn’t a standalone league. The XFL combined with the USFL at the end of the year to create the United Football League (UFL). It was a bold move, meant to fix a problem both leagues faced: not enough fans, not enough money, and too much competition.
The XFL side of the UFL is now seeking validation that it fits 2025. The league is finding its footing once more with a few quality clubs, devoted fan bases, and reasonable TV deals. The key question is, can it develop into anything real? Let’s explore!
Financial and Operational Outlook of XFL
Sports always focus on money and spring football is no different. For the XFL, the past several years have not been very monetarily pleasant. Let’s see how the league is trying to survive and discuss what might keep it going in the long run.
Losses vs.Gains
Said to be losing around $60 million, the XFL called off the season back in 2023. Still, in spite of the losses, the league was not panicking. Instead, the owners stayed calm, largely because they had long-term objectives and enough riches to offset the early damage.
“We’re extremely well-capitalized for the long term,” said Garcia, the XFL Chair, in an interview.
Financial Sources
Thanks primarily to its broadcast partnership with Disney, the XFL still has a chance. The league is getting continuous national attention as ESPN, ABC, FX, and even ESPN+ highlight all games.
With an arrangement locked in through 2027, this lets the XFL and larger UFL breathing space and gives the organizers time to build a significant fan base.
Monetary Control
XFL has been stressing prudent spending since merging with the USFL. This is being done in the following ways.
- Standard alignment of rules. One method the organizers have adopted for cutting costs is ensuring the rules throughout the league are the same. No more further player expenses for different systems or training references.
- Most of the clubs now function out of common hubs, especially in places like Arlington, Texas, where players practise and live all through the season. It helps to regulate travel and house costs.
- After the 2023 season, the league also adjusted its personnel, shifting several full-time roles to seasonal or part-time ones.
Fan Impact and Expansion of XFL
So far, TV ratings have been decent, and attendance has been improving in some cities.
In St. Louis, they’ve been absolutely crushing it. The Battlehawks consistently draw huge crowds (around 30,000 to 40,000 fans per game) and even broke a modern spring football record with 40,317 at their home opener last season.
That kind of support earned them the right to host the UFL championship again, which shows the league puts real weight on community energy. UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon had this to say about the development,
“St. Louis represents both the heart of this country and the heart of the UFL. We are proud that we will once again be hosting our championship game in this football capital and the great state of Missouri, that has been a strong supporter of America’s game for over a century.”
St. Louis isn’t the only spot with promise. In San Antonio, the Brahmas are working hard to build local ties. Even with a lighter home schedule due to venue issues, they’re leaning into Texas culture, fiesta-themed nights and community parties to bring people in. Attendance dipped a bit, but the league sees it as a chance to bounce back stronger.
What’s Next for the XFL/UFL?
Looking ahead, the UFL is planning expansion for 2026, aiming to go from eight to ten teams, then possibly 12 by 2027. They’re eyeing cities like Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and Tulsa, even the New York metro area.
These spots haven’t had NFL teams recently and could be hungry for spring football. The league is inviting proposals now and says fans might hear official news around the 2025 championship game in St. Louis.
XFL Betting in 2025: How to Go About It
If you’re thinking of betting on XFL games this year, it’s actually pretty easy to get started. Most of the big sportsbooks now offer UFL lines since the XFL and USFL joined forces. You’ll find all the basics like moneylines, point spreads, totals, and even some prop bets. The key is to start simple. Learn how the league works first. XFL rules are a bit different from the NFL so knowing these help you make smarter picks.
Now, here’s something you should not overlook in your betting journey: bonuses. A lot of sportsbooks give out welcome bonuses, free bets, or boosted odds just for signing up. If you play it smart, you can use those offers to try out bets without using too much of your own cash. As betting expert Kate Richardson said, bonuses are one of the best ways for new bettors to get comfortable and reduce betting risk.
The good news is that there’s no shortage of these bonuses right now. You’ll find them across most major platforms. But keep in mind, these offers will vary from brand to brand. Some give bigger bonuses with fewer rules; others might lock you into fine print. So it’s worth looking around and comparing sites on review platforms before you pick where to bet. Take your time to read reviews in order to choose a bookie that gives you the best deals.
Conclusion
The XFL has been through a lot — ups, downs, and plenty of restarts. But now, as part of the UFL, it feels like things are finally starting to click. Looking ahead, the future feels hopeful. If the stakeholders keep building slowly, keep fans involved, and stay smart with money and growth, the XFL could finally become the ultimate spring football league that sticks.
The article was provided by Kate Richardson
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