The development of the XFL continues as it strives to return in 2023. Earlier this week, the league announced a partnership with the NFL Alumni Academy, according to Josh Alper of NBC Sports.
The NFL Alumni Academy was established in 2020 to create a sort of pool of “NFL ready” free agents that teams can draw from in-season in case of injuries. They classify themselves as “an elite in-season training program” operating at the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame Village in Canton, Ohio.
The thought process is that, on average, NFL teams end up seeking to replace up to 500 active roster players each season. Many talented players are unable to make the 53-man rosters or 16-man practice squads to start the season. The Academy offers an environment for those players to be completely prepared to return to the NFL at a moment’s notice. In this environment free agents are taught, coached, and mentored by former NFL coaches and players.
Partnering with the Academy is an extremely advantageous deal for the fledgling league in establishing a solid foothold. Having a continuous source of players is an important step in making sure that the XFL is sustainable long-term.
XFL president Russ Brandon called the partnership “monumental…for the entire football ecosystem.” The terms of the partnership have not been specified, but it’s easy to see how the deal can benefit both organizations substantially.
Welcome, Baker Mayfield.
Lol. Stop it.
So presumably the XFL is going to attempt to market their product by boasting they have talented players who couldn’t make NFL practice squads. What a stampede for tickets that will cause.
This is actually better than pulling players who are completely away from organized football.
All of these leagues will struggle to get middling talent never mind top talent as the $$ just isn’t there.
It’s not like TJ Watt and Aaron Donald are going to make the jump. This is a way for diehard football fans (and sports bettors) to continue watching football while giving guys a chance to make the bottom of an NFL roster.
I think this is pointing to an nfl minor league of sorts. Which it honestly makes sense if the nfl had some minor league teams for teams to select players due to injuries
more like D2 than minor leagues .. but still a cool thing to watch at the bar in spring
if I remember correctly XFL started a week or 2 after the Superbowl.. not sure what the heck this USFL was thinking starting so late (this week?) big opportunity missed now with NBA and NHL playoffs starting up
I think the XFL should play during the nfl season. Less games obviously let’s say 8. Start in week 3 and do it on days like Tuesday/Wednesday no college competition, no nfl competition. So then guys are in shape already if a team needs someone. Make the xfl a serious league. Players get paid even if they aren’t on an nfl roster. Make it a true springboard and by weeks 12-13-14-15 teams with injuries and that are out of it may want to check some guys out
I love the XFL.. glad it’s coming back
I imagine there are a few people who love Disco music but would any sane person want to see it make a comeback?
ya duh…
I would be amazing if ppl bought back into the disco scene.
have you seen the current state of the clubs and nightlife?
combination of standing around and getting aggressive with ppl who bump into you…
I think it would be amazing if competitive dance and good vibes came back into the club scene .
no cap
it’s also easy to laugh at something like the XFL in year 1,
but if you can’t see the enormous upside that a Spring Football league has , then you really lack vision and innovation.
sports are so profitable right now .. there was a time when the Rams couldn’t make money in LA .. times change
A few pro leagues may be profitable but most are not. At least a dozen teams went bust when the NFL started up and the owners didn’t see any real profits for 40 years until games were televised.
You’d be better off investing in cannabis stock or Game Stop than the XFL.
well you brought up my next point yourself..
we’re talking about a league that already has a TV deal..
and will feature some already recognizable names/marketability in terms of Head Coaches and some players, and the owner who happens to be one of the most marketable people on the planet
if Bellator can profit, then a side football league definitely can
Having a TV deal doesn’t mean much if the product been shown is inferior to the competition. The CFL has long had a niche market in Canada but none of the owners in that league are making grand profits. The XFL really has nothing to offer viewers but a watered down version of what is already out there.
what’s the competition in spring?
let alone 1 o’clock on weekends….
the Big3 exists which makes XFL look like a top league
He Train Me.