Now that the NFL season has concluded, the XFL’s inaugural season is finally underway. Now the question is will it actually last?
When talking about success, I’m talking about financial profitability and national viewership. Some things I’d consider are necessary components are proven leadership, solid financial banking and exposure.
Looking at the leadership of the XFL, WWE CEO Vince McMahon hired established industry leaders such as Oliver Luck, commissioner of the XFL, and Jeffery Pollack, the XFL’s president.
McMahon wanted to be in control of this league. He was comfortable being the person to blame or the person to praise.
“A chance to do it with no partners, strictly funded by me, which would allow me to look in the mirror and say, ‘You were the one who screwed this up,’ or ‘You made this thing a success,'” McMahon said.
He invested $500 million dollars into the XFL. That’s something businesses would love to have starting off. Unlike the failed AAF from last spring, the XFL will get national viewership. Games will air on Disney-owned ABC and ESPN, Fox and Fox Sports.
This isn’t the only piece it needs to be successful, but it’s a step in the right direction to be profitable.
Looking into where the $500 million dollars is spent is intriguing for both players coming out of college and coaches looking to make a name for themselves.
Salaries for the 40-man squads are expected to average $75,000 with players who are “in demand making much more than that,” according to reporting from Darren Rovell.
It may not be able to compete with salaries at the NFL stage, but it can be enticing for juniors or seniors in college, who want to start making money sooner rather than later.
The XFL is no NFL. However, it could be used similarly to the G-league of the NBA. A league that develops players for the future or even a second chance for athletes.
I’m personally excited to see football in the spring season, and who knows. Maybe the XFL will be a league that lasts for years to come.
