Once the XFL makes it past year 2, expansion needs to be considered for year 4. The order of priorities, I think, ought to be based on 2 things: the ability to attract fans/profit(of course), and, in some instances, ability to attract the NFL world’s eye in order to land better talent through impressing agents of potential players, available players themselves, NFL coaches and execs, and media.
With that said, here are my top 3, as I think the first round of XFL expansion will involve 2 teams.
1) San Antonio, Alamodome
The Alamodome was a fortress in the AAF, so why not bring it back for an XFL team?
At the end of the day, AAF fans showed out for this market, and when the XFL proves themselves, they will return in perhaps even larger numbers once the XFL comes to town. More importantly, it would give Texans, some of the most hardcore football fans even at grassroots levels, another football team, completing the trifecta of the most populous cities in the state.
Outside of the Spurs, SA doesn’t have anything to compete with the XFL. While the Alamodome may be underwhelming, the heart in SA fans makes it worth it. Also, there is little concern that the league would be disallowed from coming to town, as the city has been wanting a pro football team for years.
2) Berkeley(Oakland/SF market), California Memorial Stadium
The UC Berkeley campus is an added bonus of potential customers available to the XFL in the attractive bay area.
While UC Berkeley denied the XFL in 2018, I think, with success, they could win them over. More importantly, the bay area is going to be HUNGRY for some more football, as previously mentioned with the Raiders population.
California Memorial Stadium is beautiful, recently renovated, and completely vacant for the XFL in the spring. Soon, it will be time to recapture the fanbase the XFL originally had in the bay area, and hopefully, the UC Berkeley admin will oblige.
Anything to avoid playing in the Oakland Coliseum which is both unpleasant and unlikely to accept the league, as the city is worried about schedule conflicts with the Athletics.
3) Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium
The NFL combine being held here makes placing an XFL Team an Indy a unique opportunity for interaction with the shield.
Indianapolis is where the NFL comes to play. The combine occurs here every year over the course of 7 days. Perfectly set up for the XFL to showcase their talent on the Sunday/Saturday before Combine day 1 on Tuesday, and potentially on day 5 ith a night game at say 830 PM local time, if the XFL could negotiate with the NFL.
Indy only has the Pacers to compete with, and Lucas Oil Stadium is a quality facility for the XFL to hold games in.
XFL Schedule Realignment as a Result of Expansion
By having 10 teams in the XFL, schedules would have to adjust. Either more games will need to be added, or divisions will need to change. In my opinion, keeping the season to 10 games prevents the season from getting too long and it increases the importance of individual games.
To maintain this, divisions would be ended, and instead, each team would play each other once, plus a protected rivalry game that is played twice a year. For example, Dallas vs Houston would definitely be in consideration for a key rivalry game. This keeps the league at the perfect 10 games. Playoff seeding would now be determined by the best 4 records, as there would no longer be any divisions.
Protected Rivals
With Berkeley:
Dallas vs Houston
I-45 rivalry, enough said.
Los Angeles vs St Louis
How could I forget the battle over Stan Kroenke? Undoubtedly this is a deep-seated rivalry for the XFL to promote, especially if LA fans show up for their team.
Seattle vs Berkeley
For years, the Seahawks and 49ers had gritty battles in the NFL, but, more importantly, both city areas have an underlying fight as leaders in technological innovation. In addition, both areas are well known for their passionate fan bases, which can provide extra excitement to the matchup.
New York vs DC
A classic rivalry from the NFC East, the Guardians and Defenders could reincarnate that tradition in the XFL.
San Antonio vs Tampa Bay
This revives the rivalry that could have been in the AAF with the Commanders and the Apollos, at least somewhat.
With Indianapolis:
Indianapolis vs Houston
A relatively new divisional rivalry from the NFL, there’s also a backdrop of rivalry among Oliver Luck and his son, with Andrew having played for the Colts and Oliver having played for the Oilers, managed the dynamo, and run the Houston Sports Authority
Dallas vs DC
Why not bring back another classic NFL rivalry into the XFL?
Seattle vs St Louis
This revives an old NFL divisional rivalry, which is a necessary compromise to avoid one team getting a better share of LA.
LA vs San Antonio
While being a rivalry completely built by basketball, there’s no doubt there’s a unique history between the two cities that could be pitted against each other on the XFL gridiron, not to mention the glaring cultural rivalry between the states of California and Texas.
Tampa Bay vs New York
While based primarily in baseball, the Jets do also have a divisional rivalry with the Dolphins, but also rivaling each other for being the worst NFL teams, as the Jets haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, while the Dolphins have only made the playoffs a mere 4 times in the 20th century, so perhaps that could translate to Tampa, hopefully without the perennial losing.
What do you think? Which cities would you prefer for expansion? What do you think of my schedule realignment? Do you agree with these rivalries, or do you think you could come up with some better ones? Let me know on twitter @Maxscouts or in the comments below.
Writer’s note: An earlier version of the article incorrectly noted the owner of the Rams(Stan Kroenke) and wrongly noted the highway between Dallas and Houston(I-45).
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Joe
December 2, 2019 at 9:49 pm
if the XFL takes off, (which I really hope it does), and they expand by
two more teams, I would go for Chicago and somewhere in the greater
Boston/Providence area. Those cities have decent fans and a larger viewing audience vs. Indy and San Antonio. The Bay area isn’t a bad choice due to a huge population but California fans in general suck and the XFL is about to find that out in Los Angeles.
Max Levy
December 2, 2019 at 10:43 pm
I would counter that the original XFL was huge in the bay area and that there are a ton of options in Chi-town come springtime as well as in Boston. But yes, those are concerns.
Dude
December 7, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Stay out of Chicago…the USFL Blitz didn’t do well, the XFL 2000 Enforcers were the lowest attendance of the league, and the MLS Chicago franchise has not done well. The Arena team had some big years before the AFL financial debacle in 2008-09 but after that the fizzled out.
Boston also has been a spring time football stinker. Terrible weather would play a huge part too…who wants to sit and see 2nd tier football in cold rain/ice/snow? This isn’t April or May…this is February and March!
The ratings never have been helped by Chicago or Boston for springtime football, and their low attendance hasn’t helped. And the whole of the Northeast and upper Midwest have such bad weather during the leagues early February start that I don’t see how you draw people in to a non-domed stadium.
super390
December 9, 2019 at 10:27 pm
But the Chicago MLS team’s stadium might be very cheap to rent with the team moving to Soldier Field. Maybe Chicago + Bay Area. These TV deals can be contingent on keeping teams in major TV markets, regardless of the actual ratings experience.
Gerard
February 9, 2020 at 10:26 pm
Joe,
I was thinking the same thing. new England and Chicago need to get in on the action. I don’t know about everyone else but I really like the rules for the extra point,kick offs, punts and 1 foot inbounds rule. With the extra point options OT is not likely to happen and if it does I like the shootout rule.
TV ratings were good so was attendence. Down the road the XFL needs to be able to draft College players just like the old AFL was able to do. Let’s give the NFL and Goodell a run for their money.
Richard Alderson
December 2, 2019 at 11:53 pm
Birmingham has always been a successful destination. With the new Protective Life stadium set to open 2021, why not consider us. Legion Field has quite a history but the new digs are perfect for a new team.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 12:00 am
in the aaf the attendance was dismal for birmingham, so they are lower down the totem pole for me.
AR
December 3, 2019 at 8:14 am
attendance was good. one game was during bad weather
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 8:27 am
If averaging 14K is good attendance to you than to each their own. Their highest attendance was still a mere 17K or so. Still not enough to draw the xfl.
LR
December 5, 2019 at 1:43 pm
No no in Birmingham thought the AAF would survive, and it didn’t. Birmingham has a ton of experience with leagues, and had great attendance in the past.
What you are missing is that, IF the league sustains and is stable, the people WILL show up and watch it. IF the XFL expands, its likely because it is succeeding. If it is perceived as succeeding, then BHAM shows up.
NOT being an NFL city actually is a benefit, not a detriment because there isn’t devotion to any one NFL team and people aren’t burned out on football as much.
Birmingham is a huge TV market for football, routinely one of the highest markets even for big college games that don’t involve the state or SEC.
I do think the XFL should have started the season later…because fans need to feel that feeling of missing football. The USFL schedule lay out is better, IMO. But we shall see.
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:34 pm
@LR Perhaps, I think Birmingham could be an enticing option much further down the line, but there are too many options with more guaranteed attendance and better tv markets for the xfl to come there early on. As for the schedule: I think it being earlier helps accomodate players trying to get back into nfl or guys coming early trying to boost draft stock(see Kenny Robinson)
Smurf Jooce
December 2, 2019 at 11:56 pm
The XFL would be wise to focus on abandoned NFL markets (St Louis), under served markets a bit too far from the local NFL team (San Antonio, El Paso), and cities that have passionate collegiate fans.
Does anyone think Tuscaloosa forgets about football after January 1st? I believe this is why XFL1 went to Birmingham, to capitalize on Auburn/Bama fans.
I disagree with placing a franchise in Indianapolis. If you want to convert some fans then place a franchise in Columbus Ohio. Bengals and Browns fans could both have a winning team to cheer for, together.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 12:02 am
I’m not seeking to convert Colts fans, I am seeking an NFL relationship and an opportunity to gain fans who don’t have much else to see in such a large market. As for college fans, those don’t fit with the XFL’s goal of wanting big tv markets which they need to follow to maintain a national tv deal.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 12:04 am
Also, el paso is just too small for an XFL team right now.
Smurf Jooce
December 3, 2019 at 12:24 am
In early March of 2017, I did a draft of what I would do if I was to make an XFL2. This was actually a few weeks before the NFL officially approved the Raiders to Vegas. But, the teams I ended with were:
Denver (Rapids MLS, 20K)
Utah (SLC MLS, 20K)
Boise (Boise State, 36K)
Vegas (Sam Boyd, 35K)
Albuquerque (UNM, 39K)
Dallas/Ft Worth (FC Dallas MLS, 20K)
Columbus OH (Crew MLS, 20K)
Chattanooga (Finley Stadium, 21K)
Norfolk (Price Stadium, 28K)
Montgomery AL (Alabama St, 26K)
Chicago (Toyota Park, 20K)
Orlando (Brighthouse, 45K)
Smurf Jooce
December 3, 2019 at 12:27 am
This was a full year before the Alliance was officially announced, by the way.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 11:16 am
Interesting!
super390
December 9, 2019 at 10:34 pm
The short-lived Ohio Glory of the WLAF once drew 73,000 to a game in Columbus. I have no idea how that happened.
Phil Reese
December 3, 2019 at 8:03 am
I like Berkeley/Bay Area as a site. I would go Chicago, another team in the NE like Boston or Philly, then Atlanta in the South. Personally I’d like Miami since I live here.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 8:28 am
The problem is all those other areas you mentioned have a lot of competitions and don’t have an empty nfl fan base to excite.
Eric
December 3, 2019 at 2:02 am
Put a team here in Hawaii, there’s a perfect stadium for it already. Lots of great football high schools here and lots of football fans. Millions of tourists. There is NO professional sports team at all to compete with.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 8:30 am
Hawaii is just too far for the league to deal with in regards to travel expenses, and I’m pretty sure the aloha stadium is notoriously rusted out which is why the pro bowl left. Not ideal for the xfl to go to.
Eric
December 3, 2019 at 9:55 am
Is this guy serious?! The stadium is actually just fine, the Pro Bowl did not leave because it’s Rusted Out LMAO. Have you ever even been to it? No. U of H has no problems using it.
Hawai’i is to far? Um also a lazy response. It’s closer to LA and Seattle than New York.
JUST TO REITERATE, there’s NO COMPETITION HERE…….
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 10:10 am
Then how come I can literally find articles about “deplorable” conditions with rusted benches at aloha stadium? Like this https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/36450032/new-video-shows-deplorable-condition-of-aloha-stadium
Eric
December 3, 2019 at 1:11 pm
It’s owned by the State, so repairs and maintenance would have to come from the public. The state will pay to fix it they have to there’s no other stadium.
Eric
December 3, 2019 at 1:19 pm
This state is football crazy it should be a no brainer. Honolulu Monarchs. Colors red and yellow. Vince McMahon call me
Minh Dang
December 3, 2019 at 2:07 am
I read somewhere that the City of Berkeley is opposed to pro football at their stadium after a bad experience they had with the Raiders in the 1970’s. According to Wikipedia:
The NFL’s Oakland Raiders played their second game of the 1973 regular season at Memorial Stadium. The game against the defending Super Bowl champion Miami Dolphins was moved from the Raiders’ regular home, the Oakland Coliseum, because of a scheduling conflict with the Oakland Athletics, who hosted the Minnesota Twins at the Coliseum the following night. The Raiders ended the Dolphins’ NFL record 18-game winning streak with a 12-7 victory on four field goals by 45-year-old George Blanda on September 23.[19] Several preseason games were also played at the stadium in the early 1970s.
Ultimately, in response to traffic and parking issues associated with these games (while Cal games drew a large number of students who live on or near campus and walk to the games, Raider games attracted fans from a larger geographic area who were used to tailgating at the Coliseum and were more likely to drive to games), the City of Berkeley passed a Professional Sports Events License Tax in which the city collected 10% of all gate receipts, making the staging of professional games inside the city cost-prohibitive. The Raiders were granted an injunction from the city collecting the tax, arguing that the tax was a regulatory measure rather than a revenue measure, and was therefore an improper regulation on land held in trust by the Regents of the University of California. However, the grant of the injunction was reversed by the California Court of Appeals, who found it to be a revenue measure, despite the fact that the city had made the measure immediately effective “due to danger to the public peace, health, and safety of the City of Berkeley as a result of the holding of professional sports events there.”
Now that was in 1973 and things could have changed a lot in 40 years but I am not sure if that has changed.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 2:42 pm
Yeah, I’m hoping that the mindset would change if the league can gain a foothold
Beating the bleep out of Tom Kennedy!
December 3, 2019 at 6:54 am
Ha! Ha! I just love that this guy is already thinking expansion when in reality, he should be thinking of RELOCATION instead!
Does he really think the Wildcats are going to compete with Laker and UCLA basketball? Being called the Wildcats doesn’t help either as that happens to be the name of the University of Arizona…who happens to be one of the arch rivals of UCLA and USC! Want proof of how bad of an idea that is, look no further than the Chicago Packers (now the Washington Wizards) basketball team that had to change their name to the Zephyrs in year 2, because (gasp) Packers happens to be the name of Green Bay’s football team that the Chicago Bears hate! Remember, MOST people have a BUDGET and they ain’t going to waste money on a garbage football league (at a time when they are still upset over the 1995 Ram relocation, let alone never giving a bleep about the Chargers from day 1) over the Lakers, UCLA, USC and even the hockey teams!
And I’m sure L.A. won’t be the only one to relocate. There is a good reason why the 1960 incarnation of the AFL didn’t add expansion teams till 1966! And there were TWO relocations before the debut of the Dolphins.
As for future XFL metroplexes,
San Antonio? Yes. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Houston Roughnecks end up in San Antonio in 2021. Texans are winning, Rockets basketball is winning, Houston college basketball is a little shaky, Rice basketball is winning, Texas Big 12 (minus 2) basketball is also off to a strong start. Houstonians with a BUDGET are more likelier to invest their hard earned dollars on the basketball teams than the Roughnecks.
Indianapolis? Give me a bleeping break! Butler, Purdue, Indiana and Notre Dame basketball would SLAUGHTER an XFL team easily!
Berkeley? Right metroplex, wrong city! It’s going to take a TON of money to convince UC-Berkeley AND Stanford to share their buildings with the bleeping XFL! The two biggest longshots there, hands down. With the Giants, A’s, Earthquakes and even the 49ers, not just would a lot of money would have to materialize, but a Wrestlemania would have to offered as part of the package as well (which is how Tampa got an XFL team in exchange for Wrestlemania 36 believe it or not)!
Of course, when it comes to the baseball stadiums, Wrestlemania would probably have to be moved back to March in order to work…and there’s the home playoff games that would obviously get relocated somewhere else if the Giants and/or A’s are home on the day of the football game (just ask the Bronx’s soccer team whenever the Yanks make the playoffs).
XFL would also have to schedule around the Earthquakes as well, then again, some XFL teams are already playing in soccer stadiums and a 34-game season is much shorter than 162 games. But a lot of money is going to be needed to get the Quakes to cave-in. And even more money is needed when dealing with the Yorks.
That leaves the most likeliest candidate, SAN JOSE STATE! Never mind that the former Spartan Stadium is a trash heap, San Jose State is so desperate for cash, that you only need to offer enough to get them to agree to sharing, and you don’t need to offer a Wrestlemania either! A second football team in the San Francisco/San Jose metroplex will work, but of course, you won’t have the Raiders name to play with this time.
As for protected rivalry games outside the division, oh please, the NFL and AFL have never done that (though it would be interesting to see if the NFL will try to protect the Jets/Dolphins and Texans/Titans rivalries IF the Chargers actually move to London AND gets placed in the AFC East), and I don’t see it happening in the XFL either (especially if teams relocate which I’m sure will happen). Just realign the divisions and (eventually) expand the regular season instead.
You want large metroplexes, well let’s see,
New York/North Jersey – Guardians should be fine…for a while anyway.
Washington – This one might have a chance! Dan Snyder has been a horrible owner for the Redskins from day 1, that if the Defenders do well enough, the Redskins are still bad, and the XFL survives long enough to get a couple of teams into the NFL, the Defenders could become the new Cleveland Browns 1.0 to the Redskins’s Cleveland Rams…but it’s going to be a BIGGER longshot this time around.
Tampa – Nope. Orlando’s got their new team in 2021.
Dallas – Like the Dallas Texans 2.0 last time, they’ll be good for awhile before the Cowboys drive them away for good.
Seattle – Surprised on this one! I guess it really does pay to be a northern city after all! Of course, when the hockey team debuts during the XFL’s third season, then the working classes money issues will come up.
Chicago – I do believe that Chicago can support a second team. Leave it to Bill Bidwell to screw Chicago out of the Cardinals for St. Louis due to his incompetence. However, if a second Chicago team is going to succeed, then it would have to be in the AFC. The Bears have really monopolized the metroplex after the Cardinals left, resulting in poor support for the Chicago Rush (USFL) and Chicago Enforcers.
If it were up to me, a 10-team XFL would be:
XFL East – New Jersey, Washington, Orlando, St. Louis, Chicago
XFL West – San Antonio, Oklahoma City, San Diego, San Jose, Portland
And no protected rivalry games either. That is all.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Chicago hasn’t had a strong history with spring football at all. As for the Bay Area, why not offer up wrestle mania if you can avoid the dump that is the coliseum? Next, who says a team in Tampa would fail? Fans have come out for spring football there before and the bucs aren’t that good. Who says the XFL has to schedule like the NFL?
Beating the bleep out of Tom Kennedy!
December 3, 2019 at 11:09 pm
“Chicago hasn’t had a strong history with spring football at all.”
Hey, didn’t you read the part where I said that a second Chicago team’s best shot to rival the Bears is to get an AFC team?
“As for the Bay Area, why not offer up wrestle mania if you can avoid the dump that is the coliseum?”
49ers or Earthquakes (if you want good stadiums), it won’t work with the others. Especially Stanford and UC-Berkeley!
“Next, who says a team in Tampa would fail? Fans have come out for spring football there before and the bucs aren’t that good.”
The only reason why Orlando was skipped over was because of the AAF. Now that they are out of the way, senile McMahon can (and should if he knows what’s good for him) move the Vipers to Orlando where they belong!
“Who says the XFL has to schedule like the NFL?”
What in blue blazes are you talking about?
“Also, in regards to LA: They probably will struggle game 1, but if they win, people will come”
Oh really, then explain the Chargers last season! Even the Rams are still having trouble, and you think the MAJORITY of people with a BUDGET are going to waste money on an inferior football league with a team that has the same name as a University in Tuscon that happens to be one of their arch rivals over the Lakers and UCLA basketball?!!
Max Levy
December 5, 2019 at 12:53 am
You were literally saying “the NFL have never done protected rivals.” so I said “why schedule like the NFL when this is the xfl?” As for the chargers, there are only 27000 seats in the stadium. They sold over 25K per game in Carson. Not much else they could have done. As for the team name for LA, I’m not sure people care as much as you say. This isn’t college. Besides, they aren’t in UCLA territory that far south. They are more in USC territory. Regardless, it’s worth considering how expensive tickets are in LA to go to a Lakers game and how far away UCLA is from south LA. Also, how are the Arizona Wildcats a rival of the Lakers?
Beating the bleep out of Tom Kennedy!
December 5, 2019 at 6:49 am
“Also, how are the Arizona Wildcats a rival of the Lakers?”
Reading comprehension isn’t one of your strong suits. Maybe this will help you understand better!
“Even the Rams are still having trouble, and you think the MAJORITY of people with a BUDGET are going to waste money on an inferior football league with a team that has the same name as a University in Tuscon (that happens to be one of their arch rivals) over the Lakers and UCLA basketball?!!”
In other words, people would rather spend money on the Lakers, UCLA and USC etc. over the bleeping L.A. Wildcats! The Arizona Wildcats are one of the ARCH RIVALS of USC and UCLA.
“As for the team name for LA, I’m not sure people care as much as you say.”
Tell that to the Chicago sports fans who hate the Green Bay Packers!
“This isn’t college.”
Pathetic explanation!
“Besides, they aren’t in UCLA territory that far south. They are more in USC territory.”
Pathetic excuse! If they are willing to make the drive, they are there!
“Regardless, it’s worth considering how expensive tickets are in LA to go to a Lakers game and how far away UCLA is from south LA.”
Which is why most people aren’t going to waste money on terrible hockey teams (let alone an inferior football league). They are saving their hard earned money for the Lakers, which is probably another reason the Rams (let alone the Chargers) are having trouble selling tickets themselves.
“You were literally saying “the NFL have never done protected rivals.” so I said “why schedule like the NFL when this is the xfl?””
Maybe because MOST people wouldn’t care for those teams just because of their locations?!! St. Louis hates the RAMS and CARDINALS, not the L.A. WILDCATS as they have nothing to do with Kroenke! Washington and New York hate the COWBOYS, not the DALLAS RENEGADES, otherwise Washington and New York would hate the other Dallas/Ft. Worth teams too! But I’ll say this, I wouldn’t be surprised if the NFL installs a protective rivalry system someday (especially if the Chargers are stupid enough to move to London).
“As for the chargers, there are only 27000 seats in the stadium. They sold over 25K per game in Carson.”
Did you even check the stands? Quick, how many Charger fans do you see in the stands? If your answer is “a lot”, then you need glasses! That’s probably the only way the Wildcats are going to sell-out…by having their building “invaded” with fans of the visiting team! And looking at the 5 teams playing at the Wildcats, I only see the Dallas game selling out (with Seattle and Washington being longshots), because it sure ain’t going to be Tampa! Not getting a home game against St. Louis really hurts the Wildcats.
I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again, the Wildcats will relocate to San Diego in 2021. If they stay, it’s only because of the visiting fans selling out the games, which would make Vince McMahon Jr. just as much of an idiot like Dean Spanos!
Max Levy
December 6, 2019 at 6:41 pm
Ok, but what other options do you have to see an affordable sports product in LA, since apparently it would be such a waste of money for fans to go? Fans come out every week to watch 2nd rate soccer for LAFC and LA Galaxy because they are affordable. In regards to enemy fans, all the money flows back to Vince because he owns all the teams, so who cares? And the idea that people are saving money for the Lakers ignores the fact that not all people in LA are basketball fans. There are a share of football fans priced out of the NFL and too disappointed in Usc or UCLA. In regards to protected rivals, that’s the whole point: base rivalries off existing anger in the football/sporting world and make it real again in the XFL. And don’t give me a “weak argument” reply. Come to bat with reasoning if you’re going to make so many declarations.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Also, in regards to LA: They probably will struggle game 1, but if they win, people will come
Beating the bleep out of Tom Kennedy!
December 7, 2019 at 5:28 am
“Ok, but what other options do you have to see an affordable sports product in LA, since apparently it would be such a waste of money for fans to go?”
They are TONS of things to do down there, more so then that backwater of a swamp you live in!
“Fans come out every week to watch 2nd rate soccer for LAFC and LA Galaxy because they are affordable.”
They are also the only TWO SOCCER teams in the metroplex! We know that the MLS will NEVER be a top soccer league, but just like Canada with the CFL, WE ACCEPT IT FOR WHAT IT IS!
“And they In regards to enemy fans, all the money flows back to Vince because he owns all the teams, so who cares?”
And it’s the same for Dean Spanos, and he HATES it that his team is constantly outnumbered by opposing fans, especially the Raiders!
“And the idea that people are saving money for the Lakers ignores the fact that not all people in LA are basketball fans.”
But a lot are! If the games are sold out, there is a little thing called a TV to watch it on!
“There are a share of football fans priced out of the NFL and too disappointed in Usc or UCLA.”
Oh really, then explain the GARBAGE RATINGS the Rams/Patriots Super Bowl did in L.A. ALONE! And you think the Wildcats are going to do better than the Chargers, let alone the Rams?!!
“In regards to protected rivals, that’s the whole point: base rivalries off existing anger in the football/sporting world and make it real again in the XFL.”
Hey, I said the NFL MIGHT do it if the Chargers are stupid enough to relocate to London in order to preserve the Dolphins/Jets and Texans/Titans rivalries, which would then open the door to restoring other old rivalries (Baltimore Raven fans would love to fight the Colts every year)!
“And don’t give me a “weak argument” reply. Come to bat with reasoning if you’re going to make so many declarations.”
Spoken like a true idiot Vince McMahon fanboy! Why don’t you defend his precious Katie Vick angle since you love him so much!
Lastly, whether you or any of the other idiot Vince McMahon sheep likes it or not, relocation is another NECESSITY for the XFL! San Antonio, San Diego and Orlando are more worthy of teams than Houston, Tampa and especially L.A.!
Max Levy
December 9, 2019 at 1:21 am
Wait a minute, are you that superukcats creep on YouTube talking about Katie Vick when that has nothing to do with this XFL regardless of whether its defensible or not(its not)? In regards to “garbage” ratings for the sb, I’m sure the XFL would kill to get something like that(relative to overall XFL ratings) for the first couple years and then build slowly through convincing the people in the nearby area(namely LB, Carson, and Torrance). In regards to how the money flows: what you don’t understand is, unlike with Spanos, Vince and co get all the money for merch from every team rather than just 1, so it’s not like Vince is losing money with enemy fans. In regards to affordable sports, who are you talking about during the XFL season? LA FC and La Galaxy both aren’t that affordable especially for MLS, Angels are but are all the way out in Anaheim even though they are at least somewhat affordable, Dodgers are more pricey, LA Kings are affordable but poor, Anaheim Ducks are far and not necessarily cheap. Of course, neither the Clippers nor the Lakers are affordable.
Beating the bleep out of Tom Kennedy!
December 9, 2019 at 3:54 am
“Wait a minute, are you that superukcats creep on YouTube talking about Katie Vick when that has nothing to do with this XFL regardless of whether its defensible or not(its not)?”
Maybe I am, maybe I’m not! But better to be a creep than an a–hole like you are!
“In regards to “garbage” ratings for the sb, I’m sure the XFL would kill to get something like that(relative to overall XFL ratings) for the first couple years and then build slowly through convincing the people in the nearby area(namely LB, Carson, and Torrance).”
Still can’t accept the fact that senile McMahon was a retard in putting XFL teams in places that have no business having a team, huh?
“In regards to how the money flows: what you don’t understand is, unlike with Spanos, Vince and co get all the money for merch from every team rather than just 1, so it’s not like Vince is losing money with enemy fans.”
It still does not paint a good picture when you need VISITING fans to sell out the game nevertheless! Why else do you think the NFL owners are considering allowing the Chargers to relocate to London? And don’t give me that “Spanos and the league are denying it” trash! Owners LIE all the time!
“In regards to affordable sports, who are you talking about during the XFL season? LA FC and La Galaxy both aren’t that affordable especially for MLS, Angels are but are all the way out in Anaheim even though they are at least somewhat affordable, Dodgers are more pricey, LA Kings are affordable but poor, Anaheim Ducks are far and not necessarily cheap. Of course, neither the Clippers nor the Lakers are affordable.”
Your defending Vince’s stupidity of placing a team in L.A. (with a name that ISN’T popular with the city) is just getting pathetically bad!
I want the XFL to succeed too. But, it ain’t going to happen with second string rejects and too many NFL cities! Remember, 1960 AFL, 4 out 8 NFL cities (which would have been 2 out of 8 if the NFL didn’t counteract Dallas and wooed the Vikings), the total DISASTER of a WINNING L.A. Chargers team resulting in their relocation after ONE season, the disaster of poor Lamar Hunt’s WINNING football team resulting in them becoming the Kansas City Chiefs after WINNING THE AFL TITLE! So you bet I want the L.A.’s and Tampa’s to fail so the San Diego’s and Orlando’s can get them! Oversaturation is NOT a good thing! A challenge that the Guardians and especially L.A. are going to have to deal with. Even you said that Chicago has too much competition.
Good news, Vince and company just released a couple of wrestlers recently. That should give Vince and his WWE investors which he can manipulate (remember, he is a master con artist) a little more cash to go after 3 to 5 Drew Brees’s, Amari Cooper’s and Tua Tagovailoa’s of the world. Hell, while I think Colin Kaepernick is a lunatic, even he would give the XFL some attention that a Landry Jones wouldn’t.
Bob Hauk
February 8, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Quit picking on Max! You’re really mean spirited. You can disagree without being a rude d**k.
AR
December 3, 2019 at 8:15 am
attendance was good. one game was during bad weather
P Styles
December 3, 2019 at 9:46 am
Nobody is going to mention the rivalry section issues? Like Dallas v San Antonio is the “I-95 rivalry” – hate to say but I-95 runs up and down the East Coast. Maybe try I-35. And the St Louis v LA rivalry is the “battle for Arthur blank” – guy, the owner of the rams is Stan Kroenke. Blank is the Falcons owner. I’m sure there are probably more, but I stopped reading once I noticed those faux pauxs. Maybe brush up on your football/maps and this article might seem a little more reputable. Those are basic mistakes.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 10:11 am
You’re correct, I fixed them. Maybe chill out just a little though.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 10:12 am
Also, for the record, it said Dallas to Houston, which is not I-35. That’s I-45. Those are the only 2 errors.
Smurf Jooce
December 3, 2019 at 10:16 am
Honestly, this website seems like a kid wanting to get in on the action before the league debuts, hoping he can be the next Florio.
Max Levy
December 3, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Nope, I’m not trying to get in on any action. Just had some thoughts to air out.
Kyle S.
December 3, 2019 at 1:49 pm
What about a team in Michigan? The Grand Rapids area has been increasing in size and popularity for a few years and everyone knows how bad the NFL team in that state is. Easy access to highways, food, entertainment, hotels and an international airport nearby. I would think an area like that could be a gold mine waiting for a decent football team to arrive in town.
Max Levy
December 5, 2019 at 12:54 am
Reasonable, but I think the league may be averse to going to a smaller TV market considering their national TV goals.
MT Robinson
December 3, 2019 at 8:43 pm
San Diego 🙂
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:36 pm
I’ll wait till they build that new stadium but yes, good idea for round 2.
Daniel Scott
December 4, 2019 at 12:23 am
i like the rivalry i think Orlando deserve a football team. plus a madden appearance aome day who know maybe XFL 2k video game someday but i love the rivalry idea expansion to 10 sure y not
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:40 pm
I feel like that could be an option much farther down the line once Tampa establishes itself because Orlando and Tampa are really close together.
ephewe
December 4, 2019 at 8:18 pm
“San Antonio vs Tampa Bay
This revives the rivalry that could have been in the AAF with the Commanders and the Apollos, at least somewhat.
With Indianapolis:
Indianapolis vs Houston
A relatively new divisional rivalry from the NFL, there’s also a backdrop of rivalry among Oliver Luck and his son, with Andrew having played for the Colts and Oliver having played for the Oilers, managed the dynamo, and run the Houston Sports Authority”
airing these thoughts out…because of the fecal aroma?
please knock it off
Max Levy
December 5, 2019 at 12:21 am
sometimes, things can’t be perfect. if you got a better rivalry idea with those teams, lemme hear it.
Ian Moore68
December 6, 2019 at 11:33 am
why not build a stadium in Louisville, it’s overdue for a pro team
Max Levy
December 6, 2019 at 6:30 pm
Media market basically
super390
December 9, 2019 at 11:13 pm
Louisville already has a college stadium built to NFL standards, with room to expand.
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Again, its about the media market, not the stadium
C.P. McClennan
December 16, 2019 at 1:31 pm
Rivalries are never instant and require history and bad blood above all…although geography can help.
That said, when one looks at the NFL’s closest geographic franchises, I’m not sure one would call any of them true rivals. I’m talking Jets-Giants, Chargers-Rams, Colts-Bears, Ravens-Washington, 49ers-Raiders.
In fact, in my recollection, the only instant geographic rivals in any pro sport would have been when the Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary in 1980 and joined the Edmonton Oilers as a second Alberta, Canada NHL franchise. Due to a long history of bad politics between those cities and a long-heated CFL rivalry already existing, there was plenty of history when those hockey teams arrived.
With the above in mind, I do not understand why this new XFL has franchises in both Houston and Dallas. One of those two and, as you mention above for potential expansion, the smaller San Antonio would make more sense to me. I also agree with a previous comment that suggests San Antonio as more likely a relocation of one of these two franchises rather than expansion.
Had the AAF franchise in San Diego seen better support, I might suggest they would be a good potential match for Los Angeles. San Diego was lukewarm, so not certain this would be a good choice.
All this in mind, I have two suggestions that are likely way off of anyone’s expansion board that both have existing domed stadiums.
Syracuse, NY has the Carrier Dome. Cons here are I’m uncertain what state the dome is in at 40 years old and the fact Syracuse would be, by far, the smallest market in the XFL coming in. Syracuse could be an interesting rival to the Guardians, though, much in the way the Buffalo Bills are to the NY Jets.
Vancouver, BC has BC Place Stadium. Cons here would be issues with border crossings, income taxes, exchange rate plus the fact that the city has trouble supporting the CFL’s Lions. Pro is that BC Place has undergone recent, extensive renovations. With a new NHL team starting in Seattle in 2021, the XFL could double down on the potential geographic rivalry between Seattle and Vancouver.
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:28 pm
This is a fair point. But at the same time, the NFL artificially created rivalries through divisions before there was much league history.
Max Levy
December 16, 2019 at 6:30 pm
As for why the XFL is in Dallas and Houston: the answer is market size and that people love football there.
Bob Hauk
February 8, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Vancouver is a great idea! Hell, you could just combine the CFL and XFL, would be a lot of fun!
Outside of that fantasy, how come no one mentioned Milwaukee and Portland? Both are nice sized markets without a ton of competition.
Jorgin von hubertsmirtz
February 8, 2020 at 3:58 pm
Come to SACRAMENTO!!! WE ARE LOYAL FANS!!! WE SUPPORT OUR KINGS WIN LOSE OR TIE AND TO HAVE A FOOTBALL TEAM WOULD BE HUGE FOR US!!
Anthony D
February 8, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Need to come to Columbus, Ohio. 15 largest city in America and no pro football team, so u should be able to sell tickets forsure. You see how the ppl treat the buckeyes! I’m guessing u could expect that kinda love from Columbus!!
Gil Long
February 8, 2020 at 9:25 pm
Cities that should be included are Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, and Nashville.
Michael Ogo
February 9, 2020 at 8:50 am
Why Berkeley? San Jose is the largest city in Northern California and a XFL team can play at the MLS’ Earthquake stadium..
Andy Hood
February 10, 2020 at 3:11 pm
Columbus, Ohio! The city breathes passionate fans for the Buckeyes, Blue Jackets & Crew. You still see people rocking their 10-year old Columbus Destroyers gear on the weekends, that passion would be even greater for an XFL team. Mapfre Stadium is now vacant aside from concerts and would be a great venue for an expansion team.
Michael Phillips
February 15, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Columbus, Ohio should be at the top of every XFL expansion list. 1). Soon to be 3 stadiums to choose from. 2). A hardcore football town, home of the Buckeyes (Ohio’s best team). 3). Short drive to several NFL cities. 150 miles or less to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Less than 185 to Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. 200 miles to Detroit. 4). 130 miles from the Pro football Hall of Fame. 5). Has a major airport that probably flies to/from every other XFL city.
Erick W
February 19, 2020 at 11:27 pm
The closer the connection to the NFL, the better chance the XFL will thrive. Having actual NFL players and coaches involved is a big boost. I always thought the best shot a spring league might have is if it was sort of a farm system for the NFL. Fans want to see names they recognize. Maybe that is that backup QB that fans are always booing the starter over but never get a chance to see. Maybe it is that star college QB that got overlooked by the NFL and fans are dying to see what he might do if given the chance (with the XFL providing the perfect venue). How about the under-performing high end draft pick that ends up in street clothes on an NFL sideline during the season because he isn’t progressing as hoped, that maybe just needs some raw playing time in a real game setting? I honestly wouldn’t have minded if the Dallas Renegades came out in the Dallas Cowboys uniform and logo and consisted of practice squad players, developmental players, undrafted free agents that Dallas would like a better chance to evaluate, etc. I really like seeing Lance Dunbar in a Dallas uniform again. I’d love to see Dez Bryant get back on the field, and since he can’t find a team to take a chance on him in the NFL right now, why not join the Renegades and prove he still has game? If XFL can get Tim Tebow on the field as a QB, you’ll have millions tuning in just to see what he can do today. When the Renegades get Troy Aikman on the sideline for interviews for their inaugural game, that will help build a fan base. A lot of positive right now. RG3 ought to consider suiting up for the XFL. They should allow NFL teams to farm out players like RG3 while maintaining their contract with their NFL team. Get them practice, get them reps, and get them playing in real game situations.
As to expansion, I’d target locations with very strong loyal NFL fan bases. I’d double the league to 16 teams. I’d pick cities that would have national appeal that have shown the willingness to show up and support their local NFL team even when that team isn’t a contender. Denver is the first that comes to my mind, but Cincy, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Bay Area (Oak/SF), MIN, BAL, DET, NO, IND would all be good candidates. And no, I skip Birmingham, San Antonio, and any other non-NFL city for the time being as a matter of credibility and national brand awareness.
Charles Henderson
March 7, 2020 at 7:59 pm
Front Range of Colorado is where the people and the money exists in the gap between Dallas and Los Angeles. Primarily Denver and Colorado Springs. Hardcore football country who sell out every home Broncos game year in and year out. Investors and the XFL leadership would have to be brain dead to not consider this very fertile football region, hungry for football when the NFL is in its off season. Mile High Stadium is old and is choked with Denver traffic. Relocating the NFL Broncos and an XFL Team to Castle Rock, a great place with ample infrastructure halfway between Denver and Colorado Springs, would be the smart spot to build a great stadium to rival the House that Jerry Jones built. Just saying.