
ESPN filed the following motion yesterday in regard to the sale of the XFL. The XFL was hoping their broadcast partnership would be part of its assets in its sale to a new buyer. ESPN filed a limited objection to that in court.
“ESPN entered into the Telecast Agreement and the PPIA based on the specific character and quality of certain professionals involved in creating and organizing the new XFL league, and promoting and producing XFL events. Their services, skills and talents are not fungible.”
ESPN made agreements based in part by individuals who were part of the XFL. Now that Vince McMahon, Oliver Luck, and others are no longer be part of the league, ESPN has objected to continuing the agreement.
This does not mean ESPN won’t be part of a new deal if it happens.
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, and reserving all rights, ESPN does not necessarily seek to categorically prohibit assignment of the Telecast Agreement and the PPIA to any party; however, ESPN files this Limited Objection to protect its rights in the sale process. ESPN encourages the Debtor and bidders to confer with ESPN regarding the conditions under which ESPN might consent to assignment of the Telecast Agreement and the PPIA.”
You can see from the filing how much Vince McMahon‘s influence and background played a part in securing these TV deals.
“The image and ultimate success of the XFL are heavily linked to the efforts, resources, and reputation of Vincent McMahon. If Vincent McMahon and his team of professionals are not running the XFL enterprise, then a key consideration for the Telecast Case 20-10940-LSS Doc 252 Filed 06/30/20 Page 6 of 117 Agreement and the PPIA has disappeared, and ESPN cannot be compelled to join in a partnership with an assignee absent ESPN’s express consent.”
Vince McMahon’s name has been mentioned multiple times throughout the court filing.
“new XFL launch because of the reputation and business acumen of Vincent McMahon and individuals at Alpha Entertainment. As such, the agreements are personal service contracts that may not be assumed without the consent of ESPN.”
What this all means is ESPN reserves the right to reject the deal with a new XFL owner if the new ownership does not meet their standards. The question is, would it be in the leagues best interest to have McMahon back in the game to purchase the assets. With Vince, comes the ESPN partnership. Without that TV deal, the league would struggle to restart a 3.0 version.
The first bids for the XFL are due this Friday, July 3rd. Stay with XFL News Hub as we follow the sale of the XFL.
Unleash the Action: Sign up for XFL Insider and Fuel Your Passion for Football!
Mark Perry, a passionate sports journalist and the founder and editor of XFL News Hub, has been at the forefront of covering the XFL since its revival in 2018. Within days of the XFL's announced return, Mark initiated XFL News Hub to keep the fans abreast of every detail, game, and development of the league. Mark's extensive knowledge of the sport, combined with his unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and accurate reporting, has made XFL News Hub the go-to platform for all things related to the XFL. His work over the years has brought him recognition in the world of sports journalism, solidifying his place as a leading voice in XFL coverage. Beyond just reporting, Mark believes in fostering a community around the XFL, engaging fans through his innovative content and discussions. If you have any inquiries, comments, or insights you'd like to share, Mark welcomes you to contact him directly at mark.perry@xflnewshub.com.

XFL News Alerts

San Antonio Brahmas
Brahmas Punter Brad Wing Returns to the NFL After Six Year Hiatus



Seattle Sea Dragons
EXCLUSIVE: June Jones Likely Will Not Return As Seattle Sea Dragons OC In 2024
USFL and XFL Merger: A Deep Dive into the Historic Collaboration
Latest Podcast
-
XFL Podcast
/ 4 days agoXFL-USFL Merger Shakeup: Hub Cities, Broadcaster Changes, and NSFL Rebrand?!
In this week’s action-packed episode of XFL Week In Review, we break down the...
By Mark Perry