A group led by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson took ownership of the XFL from Vince McMahon last year and just wrapped up their first full season of the revamped football league. Reports from Forbes indicate that the league lost nearly $60 million this season.
The XFL was largely a football league intended to be for players looking for a path to the NFL. In fact, 67 players who played in the XFL this season earned invitations to workout for NFL teams and 22 of them signed actual contracts. The Arlington Renegades won the championship despite finishing the regular season with a losing record (4-6).
The Rock continues to be adamant that the XFL is not a ‘side hustle’ and there is a clear goal that he remains confident the league can achieve. The Rock said, “This is not just an endeavor that’s going to fill up a portfolio and one day we flip it and we’re out. This is legacy. This is the long game.”
Forbes further indicated that the league expects around $100 million in revenue next season. Nearly 25% of XFL income comes from ESPN, which pays the league $20 million per season for rights to air games on TV.
XFL owners, including chairwoman Dany Garcia, said that the league recently signed sponsorships with national brands such as Progressive and Under Armor. She said, “We’re extremely well-capitalized for the long-term. This is our new WWE. The next massive live property.”
READ MORE: More Details On Why WWE Is Making Changes To Championship Titles
