XFL LOGO: The Meaning and Its History.

The XFL is a professional American football league comprised of eight clubs situated throughout the United States in mid-sized to large markets that are represented by at least one other major professional sports franchise. This article talks more about the new 2022 XFL logo for the 2023 season.

What Is the XFL Stand For?

The XFL is one of three professional leagues in the United States, the other two being the top-tier National Football League and the complex-based United States Football League, which is controlled by Fox Corporation. The XFL operates during the winter and early spring months, following the conclusion of the NFL season but before the commencement of the USFL season. Seasons run from February to April, with each team playing 10 games during the regular season and four teams advancing to the playoffs to determine the season winner. Its headquarters are located in Arlington, Texas.

The XFL is a professional football league in the United States that competes in the spring. Their first season began in 2001 and ended in 2020. The 2020 season included eight teams in the league. Oscar Goodman, the former mayor of Las Vegas, is also quoted in the book as asking, “XFL stands for nothing at all?” That’s incredible. Only Vince McMahon would stand for something that signifies nothing.” McMahon did, however, joke during the league’s 2001 introduction, “The NFL stands for the ‘No Fun League.'” The XFL will be known as the “Xtra Fun League.”

New XFL Logo

The XFL’s website has been redesigned with a countdown timer and the tagline “a new era for the XFL is beginning.” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson helped usher in the new era two days later with a brand new logo. The new branding has a more modern style, with a digital white typeface on a black background.

After attempting to restart the league prior to the pandemic, the XFL is slated to debut next year under new ownership. XFL 3.0 will offer new clubs, new expansion, and, perhaps, fresh success for the league. The [XFL] is where football’s greatest potential is realized, both on and off the field.

McMahon publicly discussed resurrecting the XFL in the 2017 ESPN 30 for 30 documentaries This Was the XFL, saying that modifications would need to be done compared to 2001 to make it feasible and relevant in the present era. In early 2017, McMahon obtained the trademarks of the defunct United Football League as well as an alternate name, “UrFL” (Your Football League). The next year, the documentary’s director, Charlie Ebersol (son of Dick Ebersol), would go on to help organize the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2018, intending to be among the first to participate. While the league was able to debut in 2019, a year before the XFL’s first season, it fell bankrupt before the end of its first season after losing its primary backers twice.

In 2017

On December 15, 2017, Bleacher Report blogger Brad Shepard said that McMahon was seriously considering resurrecting the XFL, with an announcement expected on January 25, 2018. WWE could not confirm or reject the reports in a statement to Deadspin, but did say McMahon was forming a new business called Alpha Entertainment that would “explore investment opportunities across the sports and entertainment industries, including professional football.”

WWE reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 21, 2017, that McMahon had sold $100 million in WWE stock to fund Alpha Entertainment. Alpha Entertainment was based in Stamford, Connecticut, just next door to WWE. Alpha Entertainment announced a new edition of the XFL on January 25, 2018, with a 10-week first season beginning in January or February 2020. McMahon said in a press conference that the new XFL will be different since “there are only so many things with ‘FL’ on them”

But they won’t see much of what the original XFL had. In an announcement, McMahon said the league would consist of eight teams that belong to the Alpha. Also in an announcement in 2019, the old XFL was just one team and the new league was part of it. The decision to keep the management and operations of the league separate from those of WWE was made to see if McMahon was willing to invest up to $500 million, which is five times his stake in the 2001 XFL. In March 2019, he liquidated an additional $270 million in WWE shares (representing a 4% ownership in WWE) to help bankroll the league.

History of the XFL Logo

The First XFL Logo(2001)

The original XFL debuted in 2001 as a collaboration between the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and NBC, backed by Vince McMahon and NBC executive Dick Ebersol. The league attempted to compete with the National Football League—the dominant professional league of American football in the United States (and where NBC had lost its broadcast rights to CBS three years earlier), running during the late winter and early spring to capitalize on the NFL season’s waning interest.

It featured significant rule changes to boost the intensity of the game, as well as on-air innovations like Skycams, placing microphones on players, and in-game interviews with players. They criticize the league for using “sports entertainment” tropes like pro wrestling. Despite excellent ratings for its opening games, viewership subsequently dropped, and the league dissolved after the first season. The XFL cost both partners $35 million, and McMahon later admitted that the league was a “colossal failure.”

Renew

Under McMahon’s leadership, the XFL forbade players from making political statements during games, such as kneeling in protest. McMahon also intended to bar any athlete with a criminal background from competing. In April 2019, NFL Commissioner Oliver Luck had to change his mind and make an announcement that his clubs could sign Johnny Manziel. Manziel had to leave the NFL draft and player allocations because he had “no interest.”

Felony convictions remain a disqualifier. In the announcement, McMahon says the XFL will rate a player on several grounds, including human quality, and that “people don’t want social and political problems when they’re trying to be funny.” He urged players who want to express their political views to do so in their own time. In October 2018, Luck stated that players’ contracts must ban anthem protests. Luck said McMahon’s objective was for the league to be as non-political as possible. They do not allow players to consume cannabis because the league did not test for it.

Additional Information

McMahon said he planned to reduce the game length to two hours. 2.5 hours was the league’s decision. New overtime legislation proposed TV broadcasts have three-hour time slots to cover the entire game and overtime.

Test games averaged 2 hours and 40 minutes with NFL-like plays. First-season games averaged 2 hours, and 50 minutes, the same as the CFL. By announcing it two years in advance, the league will have more time to create an appealing product. McMahon said he’ll learn from the NFL’s recent rating slump.

In 2018

Oliver Luck was to become the commissioner and chief executive officer of the league on June 5, 2018. Luck had to resign from his former job with the NCAA to take over the XFL’s operations. On November 8, 2018, Doug Whaley was to become the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations. On Jan. 22, Jeffrey Pollack was to become the president and COO of the Los Angeles Chargers.

McMahon said that he wants to play in NFL markets that are already popular, but he didn’t name any specific cities or say that he wouldn’t play there. McMahon also didn’t say that the team couldn’t play on fake grass. The original XFL didn’t use artificial playing fields, which were mostly like carpets at the time. However, technology has come a long way since 2001, and today’s artificial turfs are very close to looking like real grass.

Local media from Orlando and San Diego, as well as John Shumway of KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, inquired about potential franchises in their respective towns, but McMahon (although adding that “I adore Pittsburgh”) declined to announce any cities for teams. McMahon also mentioned that teams would have new identities rather than recycling old ones from the previous league. As potential locations for a team, the league sent out requests to thirty metropolitan areas. On December 5, 2018, Commissioner Luck revealed the eight host cities and stadiums for the initial teams, as well as the start date of February 8, 2020, the weekend after Super Bowl LIV, the day on which its first two games were later played.

More Information

Dallas’s Bob Stoops was named its first head coach and general manager on February 7, 2019, with the coaches for Seattle (Jim Zorn), DC (Pep Hamilton), and Tampa Bay (Marc Trestman) following later in the month. June Jones of Houston was named the final first-year head coach on May 13 and made public on May 20.

The creation of the AAF hindered the selection of XFL locations because several viable options became AAF homes (particularly Orlando, the next largest city without an NFL team and an appropriate stadium). Orlando had a successful XFL market and placed second in AAF attendance in 2019. The XFL avoided competing with the AAF by choosing alternative cities.

The league chose five of the top seven largest media markets in the United States; according to 2017 census bureau projections, all eight 2020 XFL markets had more than 2.9 million residents each (the smallest being St. Louis).

This contrasted with the Alliance of American Football, which chose areas without NFL teams to avoid competing with existing fan bases; two of the AAF’s markets (Birmingham and Memphis) had populations less than half that of St. Louis. St. Louis is the only 2020 XFL city without an NFL team; the Rams moved to Los Angeles in 2015.

In 2019

As part of the AAF’s bankruptcy procedures, the XFL bid for some of the former league’s assets in May 2019. Former Arena Football League CEO Jerry Kurz outbid the league. Several months previously, in December 2018, Charlie Ebersol approached Vince McMahon about combining the AAF (which had yet to begin its ultimately-abandoned lone season) with the XFL. McMahon refused him.

On August 21, 2019, the XFL released team names and logos. From October 15 to 16, players were assigned to each team in the 2020 XFL Draft, with schedules revealed on October 22 and ticket sales beginning to the general public on October 24. The uniforms were unveiled on December 3.

The XFL obtained sponsorships from Gatorade and Anheuser-Busch in the week leading up to the season opener. “Seltzer chug” has become a postgame locker room rite thanks to Anheuser sponsorship. Busch’s After averaging 3.1 million viewers in its debut week, the XFL’s final week averaged 1.5 million.

Probation

The NBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, MLR seasons, and NCAA paused or canceled games on COVID-19 fears. The player self-reported symptoms to his team’s medical staff and was tested for coronavirus but hadn’t received his results (the unnamed player eventually tested positive).

Despite only playing five games, the league announced it would pay all players their base salary for the rest of the season. Players who received legitimate offers from the NFL or CFL could sign with those teams but would have to return to their XFL teams if the league could hold its championship game.

The league was still anticipating a 2021 season and was looking into relocating as many as three of its clubs. In early April, it contacted San Antonio, Texas, officials about creating a franchise there. Other 2021 movements include Tampa Bay Vipers to Orlando and New York Guardians to Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

In 2020

Jeffrey Pollack notified league personnel on April 10, 2020, that the league would close and lay off everyone. The league declared bankruptcy on April 13, citing coronavirus losses. When the league filed for bankruptcy, it sold itself to pay off its debts. Luck returned to Indiana on March 13, but was dismissed before filing bankruptcy. He sued for wrongful firing on April 21.

On May 20, 2020, the league took its first steps toward resuming operations by requesting that authorities in St. Louis, Houston, and Seattle reinstate stadium lease agreements that it had earlier sought to discharge in the bankruptcy.

Court filings in the XFL bankruptcy case disclosed important dates around the league’s probable sale on May 26, 2020. McMahon agreed not to acquire back the XFL as part of the bankruptcy accord. Bidder registration ended July 30, the auction was August 3, and the sale hearing was August 7 at 10 a.m. Court records released on July 28, 2020, said the XFL wouldn’t sell without a new broadcasting arrangement.

That Particular Year

ESPN submitted a court motion on July 1, 2020, indicating they would consider showing the XFL under the new administration but would not control any XFL assets. ESPN says the XFL logo “services, abilities, and talents aren’t fungible.” Fox submitted a court motion on July 23, 2020, indicating they’d show the XFL if a new league owner could arrange a broadcasting deal.

Fox referred to the XFL logo as a “debtor.” ABC, Fox, and ESPN want new TV contracts in 2020. ESPN, controlled by ABC, may drop XFL. Fox was eager to continue negotiations with the XFL logo but wanted fresh broadcasting arrangements.

Relaunch and Sale

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale bought the XFL for $15 million hours before an auction on August 3, 2020. The transaction was approved in 2020. The XFL’s parent business estimated the league’s assets and obligations were around $10-50 million. Johnson once wrestled for McMahon.

In the 1990s, The Rock played for Miami and Calgary. He and Garcia do business together after divorcing. Cardinale invested in Yankees-related businesses (YES Network, Legends Hospitality) and Suddenlink.

Johnson announced on August 21, 2020, that “the keys” to the XFL had been handed over. The XFL will return in April 2022. In an October 14 interview with Vice, Johnson, and Garcia said they will reverse their stance on kneeling during the national anthem.

In 2021

The XFL and CFL began formal talks on March 10, 2021, to “collaborate, innovate, and grow football.” The XFL has placed its 2022 season on hold to focus on talks with the CFL, according to President and CEO Jeffrey Pollack. Both sides say they won’t rule out a merger or purchase as a result of their talks. Both leagues ended talks on July 7, 2021, without an agreement; the XFL canceled their 2022 season, aiming to return in “Spring 2023.”

The XFL and Jeffrey Pollack parted ways on October 14, 2021, leaving the position of President vacant. Five of the nine workers, including Doug Whaley, were from the McMahon era when the league was sold on November 8, 2021. NFL Network Analyst Marc Ross is the new EVP, and Russ Brandon, with whom Whaley worked in Buffalo, is the new President. Two of the six new recruits are from the McMahon era.

On December 2, 2021, Dany Garcia’s Instagram page confirmed that the 2023 XFL season would begin on February 18, 2023. Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia confirmed on January 4, 2022, that Training Camp would begin on January 4, 2023.

In 2022 – Present

On February 21, 2022, the XFL logo announced a relationship with the NFL to allow for the testing of new equipment, the trial of proposed rules, and the development of possible officials and coaches.

The XFL logo hired Virginia State Trojans head coach Reggie Barlow on March 11, 2022. Virginia State confirmed that Barlow had accepted a position with the XFL. The XFL hired former NFL defensive back Terrell Buckley as head coach on April 6, 2022. According to insiders, Buckley would coach a club in Orlando, Florida. Orlando was not one of the eight cities that hosted an XFL team in 2020 but had begun talks about relocating the Tampa Bay Vipers there. Orlando has the second-highest-attended AAF team in 2019 and was one of the most successful XFL teams in 2001.

The XFL and R/GA worked together to give the league a new corporate identity on April 6, 2022. As part of this, the league simplified its logo to make it stand out from the old one. The X in the logo represents the “intersection of dreams and opportunities.” Together is a media and commerce company started by athletes Alex Morgan, Sue Bird, Chloe Kim, and Simone Manuel. A legal warning argues that Togethxr’s logo resembles an XFL ad with “together” between a vertically split letter X. In the XFL graphic, both Togethxr’s company name and the phrase “together” are rendered in all caps.

XFL Logo 2023

On April 6, 2022, a report indicated the XFL logo would keep the DC Defenders, St. Louis BattleHawks, Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, and Seattle Dragons. The Vipers will move to Orlando as anticipated, while San Antonio and Las Vegas will acquire new franchises. The San Antonio and Las Vegas clubs would take over for the New York Guardians and Los Angeles Wildcats, respectively. The same report indicated the league wanted to rehire Renegades coach Bob Stoops and former Vipers coach Marc Trestman. At the time, the coaching situation was “fluid” and many former NFL players were being considered.

The XFL’s two most-attended teams in 2020, Seattle and St. Louis, had long been expected to return. The XFL logo announced the hiring of Stoops, Buckley, and Barlow on April 13, 2022, without naming their clubs. Wade Phillips, Rod Woodson, Anthony Becht, Jim Haslett, and Hines Ward were also hired as head coaches. However, the official start date for the 2023 season was confirmed on May 17, 2022, as February 18. All XFL games will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and FX through 2027.

On May 18, 2022, two stories said The Dome at America’s Center left five available dates for the BattleHawks and TDECU Stadium would host XFL games in 2023.

Further Information

Kevin Seifert declared on July 18, 2022, that cities and stadiums would be confirmed by the end of July. Teams that did not have trademark disputes and were returning to their home cities would keep their 2020 brands. The identities of the player personnel directors and offensive and defensive coordinators were released on June 9, 2022. Among the announcements were June Jones joining Haslett’s staff and Gregg Williams joining Barlow’s.

Johnson and Garcia hosted an XFL logo town hall at Texas Live! on July 25, 2022, when they confirmed team placements, venues, and personnel allocation. Except for the NY Guardians, LA Wildcats, and TB Vipers, all 2020 XFL teams will return. San Antonio, Las Vegas, and Orlando would take over for New York, Los Angeles, and Tampa.

Is the XFL Coming Back in 2023?

The XFL will play all of its games in the host cities, unlike the USFL, which played all of its games in Birmingham, Alabama, and Canton, Ohio. Team names, logos, and uniforms will be revealed at a later date by the league. The XFL announced its return to St. Louis in 2023 on Sunday. The statement was made in a town hall meeting on the league’s website.

What Is the XFL Called Now?

The XFL relaunches in Las Vegas, Orlando, and San Antonio. The XFL spring football league will have its third season in 2023. Under new ownership, the league hopes to provide fans with a better experience shortly.

The United States Football League (USFL) will begin to play this spring, following the AAF and the resurrected XFL.

Is XFL Real Football?

The XFL consists of eight clubs in mid-sized to large markets with at least one other major professional sports franchise.

How Is XFL Different From NFL?

The XFL has a 25-second play clock, as opposed to the NFL’s 40-second play clock. XFL clubs can use a double forward pass if the first pass doesn’t cross the line of scrimmage. Furthermore, unlike in the NFL, XFL receivers will only need one foot in bounds to record a catch.

Who Owns the XFL Now?

Dwayne Johnson organized a syndicate to buy the XFL in August 2020 for $15 million. The league intends to relaunch in February 2023.

Who Is the CEO of XFL?

Oliver Francis Luck is a former football quarterback and business executive from the United States. He was the XFL’s CEO and Commissioner until it was forced to close due to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Who Has Owned the XFL?

The league was founded in 2001 by pro wrestling magnate Vince McMahon and is co-owned by McMahon and NBC. Each had a 50% stake. The league collapsed following the final game on April 21, 2001, when Los Angeles Xtreme beat San Francisco Demons. McMahon has pledged to support the XFL’s second season in 2020.

How Much Do XFL Players Get Pay?

The XFL gives players who attend training camp a $50,000 base salary (with a $1,000 per-win “bonus”). Even if the team loses, it’s $5,000 more than USFL compensation.

When Did XFL End?

The NBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, MLR, and NCAA paused or canceled games due to concerns over COVID-19.

Conclusion

In 2023, the XFL will come up with exciting new fun for individuals. However, investors should keep in mind that XFL pays a nice dividend, which may provide consistent income during market downturns.