• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

XFL Owners Optimistic Despite Losses, Declining Viewership

  • The XFL reportedly suffered a financial hit of $60 million this year.
  • Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia are confident the league will thrive in the coming years.
Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Despite huge financial losses and layoffs after its first season in a revamped format, XFL co-owners Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia remain bullish on the spring football league’s future.

Forbes reports the XFL lost $60 million in 2023 but expects to rake in $100 million in revenue next year — but in May, the league cut several full-time positions in what it calls a transition to seasonal employment.

The XFL’s optimism stems from capital commitments through Year 4, including ESPN’s $20 million annual rights payment and sponsorship deals with Progressive and Under Armour.

“We’re extremely well-capitalized for the long-term,” said Garcia.

“This is not just an endeavor that’s going to fill up a portfolio and one day we flip it and we’re out,” Johnson added. “This is legacy. This is the long game.”

This season’s XFL championship game drew 1.43 million viewers on ABC after ratings steadily declined throughout the regular season. The league is battling for spring football supremacy with the USFL, which will wrap up its second season under Fox’s ownership on July 1.

The rival leagues are resorting to different strategies. With teams in eight different markets, the XFL is looking to capitalize on local fan bases, while the eight-team USFL — which counts NBC as another media partner alongside Fox — is playing this season entirely in hub cities Detroit, Memphis, Canton and Birmingham after playing every game in Alabama last year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
The cast of ESPN College GameDay begins their show prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. The show is the final one for Lee Corso.

OSU Sophomore Wins $250K in McAfee ‘GameDay’ Kicking Contest

The former NFL punter started offering prize money for kicks in 2023.
Stan Verrett and Neil Everett

Stan Verrett and Neil Everett Have Uphill Climb to Succeed on Twitch

The former ESPN anchors’ new show will also be distributed on YouTube.

Less Belichick Hype Could Mean Bad News for CFB Stakeholders

UNC had never begun a football season with so much hype.

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell: NFL’s Next Frontier Is More Games, More Countries

The commissioner has pushed for an 18-game season since last spring.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, left, and singer-songwriter Taylor Swift appear at the Kansas City Classic season opening game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and Nebraska Cornhuskers, Aug. 28, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. This is the first time the couple have appeared in the public since their engagement.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell Says Taylor Swift a ‘Maybe’ for Super Bowl LX

Halftime show announcements have recently been made in September.
Fever
September 3, 2025

Fever at Risk of Missing WNBA Playoffs Ahead of Wild Final Week

Four teams are fighting for three spots.
September 2, 2025

NFL’s 16-Game International Slate of Games Nears Reality

The league will play a record seven games outside the U.S. this season.