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Could the third time be the charm for the XFL?
On Monday, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced that the XFL will be teaming up with the NFL ahead of its third attempt to relaunch.
The Rock, who is an XFL owner, announced that the XFL and NFL would be collaborating in an effort to “create increased opportunities” for players on and off the field and to “expand the game of football.”
As part of the new deal, the XFL will experiment with proposed rule changes, test new equipment, and develop prospective officials and coaches.
With the XFL working with the NFL, the league could finally be primed for some success.
Exciting time in football as our @XFL2023 will join forces with the @NFL to collaborate on innovation opportunities to expand & grow the game of football.
As an XFL owner, my #1 priority will always be the players.
☑️👇🏾https://t.co/thLLn4NI9o#XFL#NFL#InnovationAndOpportunity pic.twitter.com/rr0WPc3ua3— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 21, 2022
“The XFL is officially collaborating with the NFL – the National Football League,” The Rock said. “The whole idea about the XFL/NFL collaboration is to grow the game of football. A game that we all love, a game that we are passionate about.
“As an XFL owner, as you guys know, my number one priority will always be the players and creating more opportunities for them. We’re just getting started.”
The XFL is set to relaunch in February 2023.
Dany Garcia, another XFL owner, added in a statement, “We are extremely pleased to collaborate with the NFL in these important areas. We are bringing forward an XFL that is progressive and forward-thinking when it comes to innovation, leveraging the newest technology to enhance gameday experience.
“We have an open field for innovative rules to enhance in-game access. Sharing insights and practices between the XFL and NFL will do a tremendous amount of good for the game of football and support the player ecosystem overall.”
Prior to the NFL collaboration, the XFL was involved in discussions for a potential merger with the CFL, however, those talks were halted.
