The XFL’s new owners said they will attempt to re-launch the league in '22, eschewing the prospect of a return this February. Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia made the announcement this morning on social media. When Johnson, Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners acquired the XFL from Vince McMahon out of bankruptcy in August, they left open the prospect of attempting a '21 season after Super Bowl LV, most likely in a “bubble” environment to minimize the pandemic risk. However, industry insiders always considered that virtually impossible, given the need to completely rebuild the league after almost every employee was laid off shortly before the April bankruptcy, which also reset most business agreements. “The opportunity in front of us, with our new ownership, is simply too big to rush back,” said XFL President & COO Jeffrey Pollack. “We want to do this properly with care and thought for everyone who loves football, especially our players, coaches, partners and fans.” Johnson, Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners paid $15M for the XFL, which showed some promise in its '20 season before the pandemic forced the season to be canceled.
