For anyone new to the league, the XFL has had a turbulent history and it’s been a three-take process to get it off the ground.
Take 1
The XFL first materialised in 2001 when Vince McMahon (WWE Exec at the time) had a vision to create a football league that assimilated some of the drama we expect from WWE with gridiron action. It’s safe to say it worked better in theory than practice…Viewing figures plummeted as the season went on and the XFL disappeared after only 1 season.
Take 2
It’s 2018, and after selling millions worth of WWE stock, Vince McMahon is back again having created Alpha Entertainment, built to find opportunities for investment across sports and entertainment. No points for guessing which minor football league made a resurgence as a result.
The XFL has its second resurgence, shedding most WWE influences but instituting some key rule changes to increase the intensity of game play. It also introduces a hard-line anti political stance, that discouraged players from taking the knee. Come 2019, the first team signings and uniforms were being made. However, mid-season the league was cancelled due to COVID 19 and had to file for bankruptcy in 2020.
Third Time Lucky…
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and business partner Dany Garcia purchased the XFL in 2020. The change of ownership saw an influx of new funding, the policy against players taking the knee rescinded and a clearer vision for the league. However, inconclusive discussions between the Canadian Football League and XFL regarding collaboration meant that the 2022 season didn't go ahead as planned.
Bring on 2023 and the 3rd reprise. Following heavy investment, a fully realised XFL league had its first season and saw North Divisions Arlington Renegades take the championship. The 2024 season was announced in March, and we’ve got our fingers crossed that it’s back for good.
A new rule book
Any NFL or collegiate football fans will find the XFL rule book is a little different to what they're used to. Notable changes include:
A tiered extra points system
Touchdown points will go from one point (a single down from the two-yard line), to two points (from the five-yard line) or three points (from the 10-yard line). Meanwhile extra-point kicks will not feature in the XFL rulebook.
Coaches can challenge a possible play
Once per game, coaches can challenge a possible play such as a judgement penalty or holding.
Field of Play/Exit Zone Fumbles
Fumbles in these scenarios will not be turned over to the defending team. The possession team will keep the ball from the fumble spot.
The 2024 XFL Season
The XFL is a spring league, running over 10 weeks between February and May. Eight teams compete in 10 games each, which means 40 regular season games altogether for XFL fans. Division rivals play one another twice, and those outside their division only once.
There are also 3 playoff games throughout May, composed of two semi-finals and the XFL title game.
XFL Championship Game
The 2024 XFL Championship final will be in May, date TBC.
XFL Teams
| North Division | South Division |
|---|
DC Defenders
| Arlington Renegades
|
Seattle Sea Dragons
| Houston Roughnecks
|
St. Louis Battle Hawks
| Orlando Guardians
|
Vegas Vipers
| San Antonio Brahmas
|
Can I watch the XFL for free?
If ABC one of your regional networks, you can tune in to some games for free using an OTA Antenna.
Where can I find the XFL 2024 Season Schedule?
The XFL season schedule and updates can be found via theXFL website.
Will every XFL game be televised?
All XFL games are nationally televised. You can get comprehensive coverage through ESPN+ subscription.