Just like the Disney families other assets like ESPN, FOX has chimed in on the sale of the XFL. In a similar move to ESPN, FOX will also distance itself from the sale but is open to working with new XFL ownership.
From today’s court filing FOX lawyers laid out their plans.
“the Debtor and Fox agree that in light of the current economic and business operating environment, including COVID-19 related complications and uncertainties: (a) the Debtor would not seek to assume, nor would interested bidders desire an assignment of, the Agreement in its current form; and (b) certain modifications to the Agreement would be necessary as part of any potential assumption or assignment thereof”
FOX is still interested in the XFL but their agreement, if their partnership would to continue would need to change.
“the Debtor and Fox are in cooperative discussions regarding Fox’s continued possible role as a broadcast and distribution partner for the XFL, the Sale Process, and the potential modification of the Agreement in a manner that would enable its assumption and assignment to a successful bidder in connection with the Sale Process.”
The bottom line is the old agreement is out, under new XFL ownership a new agreement would be in the works.
“Fox and the Debtor agree to work in good faith modify the Agreement in a manner that will enable the potential assumption and assignment of the Agreement to the successful bidder in connection with the Sale Process.”
It sounds from the court filing that given a new owner, FOX is on board for the return of the XFL 3.0. Having a strong broadcast partner like FOX is a great sign for the sale process. The question is, will FOX be the one who owns the league.
We will get closer to that answer in the next two weeks. Today July 23rd marks the deadline for the Stalking Horse Bid. This means the XFL will select a bidder from its pool of bidders to begin the sale/ auction process.
We have heard of up to 40 interested parties in the XFL. Stay with XFL News Hub as we get closer to a new ownership.
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Mark Perry, a devoted sports journalist and founder of XFL News Hub, has been a key figure in XFL coverage since its 2018 revival. Launching XFL News Hub soon after the league's return announcement, Mark has established the platform as a primary source for comprehensive XFL updates. Renowned for his in-depth knowledge and commitment to sports journalism, Mark actively engages the XFL community, welcoming interactions at mark.perry@xflnewshub.com.
as much as I enjoyed the XFL, if it is to return, I would much rather
see the league dust off a 1980’s/1990’s NFL rule book and bring
back some old school football.
Hopefully whomever ends up purchasing the XFL is smart enough to locate the teams in better markets for short term success and long term stability
Orlando instead of Tampa
Hartford instead of NY/NJ
San Diego or Sacramento instead of LA
San Antonio instead of Dallas
maybe add teams in Omaha and/or Birmingham and I’d like their chances to get established over a 3-5 year period
Matt
July 23, 2020 at 9:34 pm
XFL rules. Better games all around.
Jim
July 24, 2020 at 7:54 am
The XFL had a good product with new and exciting broadcast. It has great potential and would encourage it’s return.
Joe
July 25, 2020 at 7:15 pm
as much as I enjoyed the XFL, if it is to return, I would much rather
see the league dust off a 1980’s/1990’s NFL rule book and bring
back some old school football.
Byron T.
July 28, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Hopefully whomever ends up purchasing the XFL is smart enough to locate the teams in better markets for short term success and long term stability
Orlando instead of Tampa
Hartford instead of NY/NJ
San Diego or Sacramento instead of LA
San Antonio instead of Dallas
maybe add teams in Omaha and/or Birmingham and I’d like their chances to get established over a 3-5 year period
Dennis
July 28, 2020 at 8:03 pm
I am very hopeful for XFL’s return!