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XFL might return in 2021 but will the third time be the charm

By Leigh Oleszczak

3 Feb 2001: A general view of official XFL Footballs during the game between the New York/New Jersey Hitmen and the Las Vegas Outlaws at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Outlaws defeated the Hitmen 19-0.Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport
3 Feb 2001: A general view of official XFL Footballs during the game between the New York/New Jersey Hitmen and the Las Vegas Outlaws at the Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Outlaws defeated the Hitmen 19-0.Mandatory Credit: Todd Warshaw /Allsport /
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The XFL might not be gone for good and might return in 2021. 

After a 19 year hiatus, the XFL returned in 2020 to mostly positive reviews. That was a very different story from its original running back in 2001, where after receiving huge ratings in the opening weekend, declined every week from then on out until the league was forced to fold after just one season.

The XFL learned from its mistakes and made it a point to come back stronger in its rebranded edition. One of the more fun editions was the different amount of extra points a team could attempt after a touchdown. If they went for one point, it was a two-yard attempt, two points was from five yards out, and three points was ten yards out. It added an exciting element to the game.

Unfortunately for the XFL – despite its popularity during its reboot season – COVID-19 forced all sports to come to a halt and for a league trying to establish itself, that was the worst possible news. The XFL not only ceased play, but filed for bankruptcy in April, ending yet another attempt at a secondary football league.

Not so fast though!

XFL is starting to plan on returning in 2021

There’s been word that there are several potential buyers who are not only interested in purchasing the XFL, but attempting to get it back off the ground in 2021 per Daniel Kaplan of The Athletic. Vince McMahon – the creator and owner of the XFL – has insisted that he’s not interested in buying it back.

Despite the league folding after just one season once again, it was a much different story this time around. Fans were enjoying the product this time around and it wasn’t cheesy or satire like it was the first time around. The play wasn’t phenomenal, but the rule changes made it enticing enough for fans to tune in.

After the XFL folded in 2001, the NFL “borrowed” some of its ideas including the skycam and it wouldn’t be crazy to think if the XFL didn’t bounce back that the NFL would do the same thing this time around.

If the XFL is able to get rebooted for a third time, sports fans would be clamoring for any kind of sport and that could definitely pay dividends to the XFL. It was shut down due to a global pandemic and deserves a third chance, but will it get that opportunity?

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