The XFL was off to a good start for their 2020 return, but once the global pandemic began Alpha Entertainment, XFL’s parent company, couldn’t protect themselves and ended up filing for bankruptcy. The economic impact and harsh conditions brought upon from COVID-19 was unexpected and not prepared for.
After all of these unfortunate events it was looking like there was no hope left for the league. That was until the XFL received a new owner, Dwayne The Rock Johnson. While this is great news for fans of the XFL, the real question will be if he can actually save the league once and for all.
Johnson teamed up with ex-wife, Dany Garcia, and a top sports management company, RedBird Capital, to purchase the XFL for $15 million. The Rock is an actor and producer, a businessman, a retired professional wrestler, and a former college football player. Dany Garcia is also a businesswoman and film producer, as well as the founder and CEO of The Garcia Companies and TGC Management. RedBird Capital manages more than $4 billion in assets and has made other sports-related investments including some with the NFL. All together this team has a lot of combined experience that could really help build the XFL, but with experience needs to come a passion for what you are trying to help build.
The XFL gave fans a new challenge to the NFL and brought about a lot of excitement with something else to look forward too in sports. Johnson says his ultimate goal for purchasing the XFL was from his passion for the game and wanting to create something special for the fans, players, and everyone who has a love for football. Garcia also made a statement explaining that the businesses she has built all revolved around entertainment and sports and she is committed to bringing unique content to the sports industry. Their experiences combined can help build the XFL into a multimedia experience like no other and give everyone involved something new to love and cherish. These passions and experience combined is what it will take for the XFL to be a success.
The deal still needs court approval before it is made final, which will take place at the hearing on August 7th. If everything goes as planned the purchase will be complete by the end of this month. Steps and procedures need to be made in order to help protect against the pandemic this time if they want to be successful and stay around. It is unsure if the season will be starting up again this year since nothing is final yet, but if this receives approval then it is likely that we will see the XFL make its comeback very soon.
The passion behind Dwayne’s decision to take over the XFL and bring it back to life shows great promise for the future of the league. The experience and passion that he brings to the table, as well as his partners, will help keep the XLF going for years to come. Sources say that they want to make a comeback next season, but a lot of steps and decisions must be made before they can do so. Creating something similar to the NBA Bubble in Orlando may be the smart move for them going forward if they want to help keep everyone involved safe. The XFL now has great potential and is in the right hands that can help save the organization and bring something special to all of the fans.
