The XFL, which Dwayne Johnson purchased in 2020 for $15 million, has postponed its 2022 relaunch, opting to explore a partnership with the Canadian Football League.
Representatives from the two leagues issued a joint statement Wednesday announcing the proposal, USA Today reported. XFL Chairwoman Dany Garcia stated, "Jointly we recognize a great opportunity to build exciting innovative football experiences that make the most of each league's unique strengths."
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie stated, "Canada has an exciting game and devoted fans, and our discussion with the XFL provides a tremendous opportunity to build on that strong foundation. We look forward to exploring how we might work with one of the most innovative sports brands in the world to grow the game, engage fans in new ways, and reach new audiences. We look forward to seeing what possibilities our discussions might uncover, and to sharing those with our fans as the process unfolds.”
In October 202o, Johnson tweeted that the XFL would return in spring 2022. The CFL canceled its 2020 season but is planning to return June 10.
The XFL, created by WWE impresario Vince McMahon as a rival to the National Football League, played only one season in 2001. McMahon revived the league in 2020, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hurt attendance. After five weeks, it canceled its season and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Johnson, Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners were in an investor group that purchased the XFL in August 2020.
Before finding stardom as a professional wrestler, Johnson had a short stint with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders in 1995 after not getting drafted to the NFL. Johnson teased that he might suit up and play some XFL games.
Source: USA Today
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