The XFL, now under the ownership of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his business partners, embarked on a new journey with ambitious plans for the league. However, the return season proved challenging as financial gains eluded the XFL’s grasp.
A significant shift in ownership occurred following the premature end of the XFL’s 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Vince McMahon’s subsequent bankruptcy filing. In 2021, Dwayne Johnson and partners Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital acquired the XFL, bringing renewed hope for its future.
This year marked the league’s first season under the new ownership, culminating in an exciting championship game where the Arlington Renegades triumphed over the DC Defenders to claim the coveted title. The XFL successfully televised its games on prominent networks, including ESPN and FX.
According to Forbes, the XFL secured a substantial $20 million payout per season from ESPN. Despite this, the league encountered an estimated loss of $60 million in its inaugural year. However, there is an optimistic outlook for the future, with projections indicating a significant revenue increase of $100 million in the upcoming season.
“We’re extremely well-capitalized for the long-term,” stated Dany Garcia, the XFL’s chair. “This is our new WWE. The next massive live property.”
Dwayne Johnson also emphasized the long-term commitment, stating, “This is not just an endeavor that’s going to fill up a portfolio and one day we flip it, and we’re out. This is legacy. This is the long game.”
Unfortunately, with setbacks such as the failure of the Black Adam film and the cancellation of Young Rock, coupled with the substantial financial losses incurred by the XFL, The Rock found himself trending on social media in a manner he never anticipated. Some fans have coined the phrase “rock bottom” to describe this unfortunate string of setbacks.
