The XFL, as a standalone professional football league, officially ceased to exist on December 31, 2023. It merged with the United States Football League (USFL) to form the United Football League (UFL). Therefore, the XFL as a distinct entity is no longer "owned" separately; its operations and assets have been integrated into the new UFL structure.
The XFL's Pre-Merger Ownership
Before its merger, the XFL (2020–2023 iteration) was owned by XFL Properties LLC. This ownership group consisted of a notable trio:
- RedBird Capital Partners: A prominent private equity firm with a significant presence in sports and entertainment investments.
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: The globally recognized actor, producer, and former professional wrestler.
- Dany Garcia: A successful businesswoman, producer, and talent manager, who partnered with Johnson on various ventures.
This consortium acquired the XFL in 2020, following its previous incarnation's bankruptcy, and successfully relaunched it, culminating in the 2023 XFL season.
Key Details of the XFL (2020–2023)
To provide context on its status before the merger, here's a summary of the XFL's key attributes:
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Previous Owners | XFL Properties LLC (RedBird Capital Partners, Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia) |
Most Recent Season | 2023 XFL season |
Cessation Date | December 31, 2023 (Merged into UFL) |
President | Russ Brandon (during its 2020-2023 run) |
Motto | "For the love of football" |
Transition to the United Football League (UFL)
The merger between the XFL and USFL was a strategic move to create a unified and more sustainable spring football league. This new league, the UFL, began its inaugural season in 2024, inheriting elements, teams, and talent from both predecessor leagues. While the XFL brand contributes to the UFL's identity, its independent ownership and operations concluded with the merger.