The XFL lost $60 million last season, in response to Forbes, the first season since Vince McMahon sold the league to a bunch led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in late 2020.
This version of the XFL under Johnson and longtime business partner and ex-wife Dana Garcia led the consortium to purchase the league for $15 million, which was recouped last season.
Despite financial loss Johnson stresses that the “league of possibilities” will probably be a long-term success.
“Football was my dream,” Johnson told Forbes. “The NFL was my thing. I desired to buy my parents their first house. Football didn’t end on my terms. I wish I had an XFL after I left.”
As of May 22, 67 players who participated in the XFL during the 2023 season have been invited to practice for NFL teams. Twenty-two of them signed contracts with the NFL, in response to the league.
Johnson insists that the XFL is not a side business for him and that the league has a vision inside the current model they’re following.
“It isn’t only a enterprise that is going to refill a portfolio and in the future we’ll turn it around and fall out,” Johnson said. “This is legacy. It’s a protracted game.”
The league is projecting $100 million in revenue next season, Forbes identified.
Nearly 1 / 4 of his income comes from ESPN, which pays the league $20 million a season.
The aforementioned Garcia, chairman of the XFL, echoed Johnson’s sentiments about the league’s ability to progress.
“We’re exceptionally well capitalized over the long run,” said Garcia. “This is our recent WWE. The subsequent huge live property.”
Eight teams played in the XFL last season, which ended on May 13 after the Arlington Renegades defeated the DC Defenders in a league championship game.
The Renegades went 4-6 in the regular season and the Defenders went 9-1.
Over 22,000 fans attended the championship game, and 1.4 million people reportedly watched it on television.