The XFL and USFL announced on Thursday their plans to join forces and merge into a single football league, according to a brief statement released by both organizations. Further details regarding the new league will be disclosed at a later date.
The statement noted that once customary regulatory approvals are obtained and the transaction is finalized, the newly formed league will strive to establish top-notch operations based on the successful seasons of both leagues. The aim is to create an unprecedented union that will serve as the cornerstone of professional spring football, boasting substantial capabilities and resources to support future growth, as well as enhance the development of players, coaches, and staff.
While the merger will result in a larger combined league, it should be noted that it will still pale in comparison to the NFL in terms of viewership. On average, both the XFL and USFL attracted around approximately 600,000 viewers per game, significantly lower than the 22.6 million viewers who tuned in to ESPN’s broadcast of the recent Bills vs. Jets Monday Night Football clash. According to Forbes, the XFL suffered a loss of $60 million this year, while Fox reported profitability in USFL games.
One key question arising from the merger concerns the broadcasting rights for the games. The XFL is co-owned by Dwayne Johnson and Danny Garcia, with Disney serving as their media partner, while Fox Corp. possesses ownership of the USFL and currently airs their games on its network. As a result, discussions will likely be sparked regarding the future broadcasting arrangements, potentially leading to expanded coverage across various networks, including over-the-air broadcasts and streaming platforms.
Interestingly, prior to the merger announcement, the XFL had already been transitioning its games from ESPN+ to YouTube, offering free access to viewers, as reported by XFL News Hub.
