The NFL is entering into a partnership agreement with the XFL, with the latter league set to be a “petri dish” for the former. In an official statement, the XFL announced it would “collaborate with the NFL on select innovation programs”, with a particular focus on health and safety. 
The partnership is not one that will establish the XFL as a developmental league for NFL teams, but nevertheless a notable step in collaboration between the two entities. The news comes one year before the XFL is scheduled to begin play in its third iteration (and first since being purchased by Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia). It is the second time the league has attempted to partner with an established outfit, having unsuccessfully done so with the CFL in 2021.
“We are bringing forward an XFL that is progressive and forward-thinking when it comes to innovation, leveraging the newest technology to enhance gameday experience”, Garcia said. “Sharing insights and practices between the XFL and NFL will do a tremendous amount of good for the game of football and support the player ecosystem overall”.
Opportunities also exist for the league to “experiment with proposed rules, test new equipment and develop prospective officials and coaches”, writes ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. League president, and longtime Bills executive Russ Brandon made it clear there has been productive dialogue with the NFL when it comes to “[advancing] the game of football” overall.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent added: “The XFL has shown us that innovation is one of its core principles. We are hopeful that this relationship will support further development and improvements in the game of football at all levels”.
While Garcia insists that a direct affiliation for the purposes of player sharing and development is not currently on the table, this announcement could mark, at a minimum, a sign that the third time could be the charm for the XFL to establish itself long-term. The deal is unrelated to the re-booted USFL, which is set to begin play in April.
There’s a history of the XFL helping the NFL move forward with things like new camera technology, but I don’t think “petri dish” is the most auspicious phrase to use these days.
As long as the XFL has no affiliation with Vince Mc.Mahon whatsoever, as a fan of football I’m all for it
Vince has ran a successful business for multiple decades now.
Yeah so did Daniel Snyder.
His venture into professional football would suggest otherwise
His run with football has sucked.
The rock is a chicom tool so I’m sure he’ll fit right into the nfls plans
Limbaugh’s been dead a whole year, dude. Might have to find a fresher source of nonsense.
What does Limbaugh have to do with Hollywood curating Chinese government-approved scripts, movies and TV shows? Not much, I’d say.
However, he does have a lot to do with sounding the alarm and making people aware or the evils being done in western china… something that could have had a huge impact, had someone done the same during 1930s germany, and the pre-civil war US south.
The Rock steers clear of those conversations, despite having one of the biggest voices in Hollywood.
But, by all means, you go ahead and use this moment to ignorantly trash someone who DID have the courage to say something… because your TV told you to hate him.
Maybe you should stop and consider that your TV and The Rock might simply be trying to stay in good standing with the same people Limbaugh is trying to warn you about?
…and your snark is helping
Give me a break. Yes, people who are trying to do business in all the biggest markets in the world often avoid criticizing China. They avoid a lot of other things too. The Rock also doesn’t do sex scenes in movies. He’s sanitized, not some political operative. Calling him chicom is a straight up Limbaugh talking point.
Show us on the doll where rush hurt you
He didn’t hurt me personally, but he was a hatemongering, conspiracy theory spreading POS who warped a lot of brains.
Spreading misinformation according to accredited institutions like the nyt snopes msnbc cnn sharia blue and the dnc
Glad to see some people that actually live in reality and unlike the (it) that was being critical of you for speaking out against the absolute hypocrisy that is Hollywood. He can go stand in line for his 7 booster and walk around with a diaper on his head
lol. Glad your tinfoil hats don’t make it too hard to regurgitate the talking points you’ve been spoonfed.
Protip when every msm outlet big tech big pharma and all major corporations are on your side, you’re the baddies, baddy.
Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia isn’t running anything. They are just figure heads.
Figureheads don’t put up their own money to buy the league from McMahon.
Was this idea floated to Goddell by Rob Manfred?
A Minor League to NFL.
The CFL was wise to stay clear of what appears to be a thinly disguised Ponzi scheme. I’ll be shocked if players in the third iteration actually see any money.
I’m so happy that this partnership will result in efforts to “support the player ecosystem overall.” Otherwise the NFL’s history and its penchant for double-speak and hyperbole would have me concerned that this partnership is just another venture into lining its pockets at the expense of players’ health and safety.
Where does the USFL fit in
Maybe Goodell can form a partnership with the USFL and convince that league to be cannon fodder when he invades Europe.
Right into the XFL’s old grave in the cemetery of defunct football leagues. There’s an open plot between the Arena Football League and Alliance of American Football.
Will each team have a way to use non roster players. Pick up players when they get hurt and send players down to train back up.
If they’re smart they’d make it that way. Getting live action for the practice squad players would only be beneficial.