XFL announces interesting partnership with NFL

The XFL is planning to return at some point next year, and the once-bankrupt league will do so with the backing of the NFL.

On Monday, the XFL released a statement announcing it will “collaborate with the NFL on select innovation programs to further expand the game of football.” The arrangement will essentially allow the NFL to use the XFL as a testing ground for things like technology and rule changes. Dany Garcia, co-owner and chairwoman of the XFL, provided some details.

“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,” Garcia said in the press release. “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.”

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent praised the XFL for showing that “innovation is one of its core principles.” He said he is confident the relationship between the two leagues will help develop and improve the game of football.

The NFL often tries out rule changes and other new ideas during preseason games. Partnering with the XFL will give the league another platform for doing that.

The XFL was set to launch again in 2020, nearly 20 years after its 1-and-done season in 2001. The COVID-19 pandemic squandered those plans and led the league to file for bankruptcy. It was then purchased by an investment group that includes a WWE and Hollywood legend.

Spring football leagues will always face an uphill battle, which we saw when the AAF quickly went under two years ago. Perhaps things will be different for the XFL this time around now that the league has direct support from the NFL.