• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

XFL Files for Bankruptcy After Canceling Season Amid Pandemic

  • Upstart league lists assets and liabilities in the $10 million to $50 million range.
  • Creditors include Bob Stoops, Kevin Gilbride, and other coaches.
Photo Credit: XFL

The XFL filed for bankruptcy, just three days after the league announced it was suspending operations and laying off staff.

In the Chapter 11 filing, the league listed both assets and liabilities in the $10-$50 million range. Alpha Entertainment, the company founded by Vince McMahon to oversee the XFL, was listed as the debtor on the document, with McMahon holding 100% of its class A shares. World Wrestling Entertainment is listed as a class B shareholder, with a 23.5% stake, with McMahon holding the remainder. The news was first reported by Eriq Gardner of the Hollywood Reporter.

The St. Louis Sports Commission holds the largest unsecured claim against the league at $1.6 million. The XFL had agreed to pay St. Louis $100,000 a game, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Other high stakes creditors include a number of league coaches, including Bob Stoops, Marc Trestman and Kevin Gilbride, as well as Ticketmaster, the Meadowlands Stadium and the Tampa Sports Authority.

The timing struck some as particularly fast, since the league laid off nearly all employees on Friday.

“It’s not coincidental that everyone was fired on Friday and they filed on Monday,” said a prominent sports lawyer who asked to speak anonymously. “This eliminates some of the risk Vince [McMahon] was facing regarding his other assets. At some point if they can’t find a buyer, they could still convert it to a Chapter 7, which would allow them to sell everything and pay creditors pro rata.”

The XFL was five weeks into its season when games were suspended on March 12.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ballers in Philadelphia
exclusive

Backer of SlamBall, Ballers Armed With $150M for New Fund

The fund will offer sports and entertainment companies deals that don’t involve equity.
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Real Madrid CF forward Kylian Mbappe (9) reacts after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

CVC Builds Out Sports Division Amid Crowded PE Market

The firm’s sports portfolio is reportedly worth $13.6 billion.

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
Apr 2, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Brock Lesnar during Wrestlemania Night 2 at SoFi Stadium.

Lesnar Returns to WWE Months After Being Named in McMahon Suit

It was Lesnar’s first WWE appearance since 2023.

Featured Today

Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump carry the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the presentation after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.

Trump-MBS White House Dinner Showcases Saudi Sports Influence 

Attendees included Ronaldo, Bryson DeChambeau, and the owner of the 76ers.
November 19, 2025

ABC, ESPN Bounce Back With Big CFB Ratings After YouTube TV Deal

Oklahoma-Alabama and Texas-Georgia drew more than 10 million viewers.
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
November 18, 2025

Congress Turns Up Heat on Sports Leagues Over Betting Integrity Issues

MLB, the NBA, and the NCAA are all in lawmakers’ crosshairs.
Oct 3, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions forward Gavin McKenna (72) warms up before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mullett Arena
November 18, 2025

NCAA-CHL Rule Change Has Already Shaken Up Hockey

Inside how leagues feel a year since the announcement.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

NFL QB Christian Ponder Is Preparing Athletes for Business

Former NFL quarterback Christian Ponder discusses the transition from field to boardroom.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.