The XFL announced two new partnerships this week as the league looks to reboot in February 2023. The XFL debuted in 2019 under the guidance of former owner Vince McMahon.
After filing bankruptcy during the COVID-19 pandemic that ended the XFL’s inaugural season early, a new ownership group led by Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird Capital Partners is relaunching the league.
On October 13, the XFL held a press conference to introduce a partnership with the NFL Alumni Academy, a program established in 2020 to provide training and education for free-agent NFL players who are released from practice squads to refine their talents in the hope of returning to the NFL.
The exclusive agreement between the XFL and the NFL will see the fledgling league contribute to the recruitment and training of players through the Alumni Academy.
Players who are developed through the NFL Alumni Academy will receive an opt-in contract that will allow them to join one of the eight XFL teams.
“This is a monumental partnership not only for the XFL, but for the entire football ecosystem,” XFL President Russ Brandon said in a statement. “The NFL Alumni Academy has found great success over the past two years training and mentoring up-and-coming players, many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL, and we are collaborating to create another avenue of opportunity for players to showcase their talent. We are completely aligned in our player-centric philosophy, and we’re eager to continue to explore the bounds of this partnership.”
Earlier in the week, the XFL also announced a partnership with the Indoor Football League. The agreement will enable players to transfer between the two leagues and will allow the leagues to share game film and opportunities for joint tryouts.
“Our partnership with the IFL is a win across the board,” said Doug Whaley, XFL SVP player personnel. “Not only will the League have access to a consistent pool of highly competitive players who are in game shape, but it will also provide the opportunity for some of our players to continue their development and extend their professional careers.”
The dual agreements should help to position the XFL as an extension of training to help offer opportunities for players who are not drafted by the NFL to play while gaining skills and experience.
It is also an opportunity for coaches and training staff to work with players of diverse backgrounds.
“We are extremely excited to be working with the XFL,” said Todd Tryon, commissioner of the IFL. “This partnership will allow a bigger opportunity for the players of the IFL. Our goal is to create a platform for our players to advance their career on and off the field, and this is another step towards that.”
The XFL has announced coaching staff and team locations for eight teams to restart the league this February. The IFL season will begin in March. The IFL has been playing spring football for 14 seasons.
