XFL Might Be Trying To Lure USFL’s Players Away

The XFL is relaunching next year — and it’s already working to box out the USFL.

Making its case to agents on Monday, the XFL argued that it is the better choice for players looking to compete in a spring football league, according to an ESPN report.

• XFL executives said that the league would top USFL salaries and include full housing and meal costs during the season. 
• They also argued that the league’s February-to-May schedule is better suited to players looking to make the jump to the NFL than the USFL’s schedule, which will run into June this year.
• USFL players make $4,500 per week, plus a daily $75 housing allowance.

The XFL is returning in 2023 after going bankrupt in 2020 due to the pandemic. The league was bought by actor Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Redbird Capital in 2020 for $15 million from WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

Teaming Up

Both football leagues are boosted by major partners.

The Fox-owned USFL also partners with NBCUniversal, which broadcasts every game through a mix of their flagship channels, affiliates, and streaming services such as Peacock. Fox is committing $150 million to the league over three years.

The XFL reached a deal with the NFL in February to allow the league to experiment with new rules and innovations in the spring league.

Johnson said in December that the XFL hopes to announce its broadcast partners early this year.