The XFL "is eyeing" Toronto as an expansion city in
2002, according to Marty York of the Toronto GLOBE & MAIL,
who writes that the team "would presumably be based" at the
SkyDome, although Blue Jays Owner Ted Rogers "may voice
opposition since he intends to ultimately bring" an NFL team
to the city. XFL VP/Operations Mike Keller said Toronto "is
on the radar screen for the future. We've addressed it and
we'll see what happens." York also reports that Headline
Sports "is close to signing a deal" with the XFL for games
to be broadcast each week (Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 10/24).
STEP BY STEP: BUSINESS WEEK's Mark Hyman writes that
the XFL "is making strides," and bringing on NBC as an
investor "may be the biggest coup." But the XFL and NBC
"are a long way from scoring a touchdown," as league Chair
Vince McMahon "is projecting losses" of $100M during its
first two years (BUSINESS WEEK, 10/30 issue). In a separate
piece on the XFL, Sports Business Group President David
Carter writes that "skeptics would be wise to remember two
key elements of a successful league: extensive broadcast
contracts and an adequate and sustainable labor force."
Carter: "The XFL has the ability to promote itself and its
players year-round, utilizing the WWF's magazines, Internet,
and pay-per-view tentacles" (BUSINESS WEEK, 10/30 issue).
