The XFL lost $60 million this past season, based on Forbes, the primary season since Vince McMahon sold the league to a gaggle led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in late 2020.
This version of the XFL under Johnson and longtime business partner and ex-wife Dany Garcia led a consortium to buy the league for $15 million, which returned this past season.
Despite the financial loss Johnson insists that the “league of opportunity” may have long-term success.
“Football was my dream,” Johnson said in an interview with Forbes. “The NFL was my thing. I used to be going to purchase my parents their first house. Football didn’t end on my terms. I wish I’d had the XFL after I was coming out.”
As of May 22, 67 players who participated within the XFL through the 2023 season had been invited workout for NFL teams. Twenty-two of them signed NFL contracts, based on the league.
(L-R) XFL owners Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson watch an XFL game between the DC Defenders and the Seattle Sea Dragons at Audi Field on February 19, 2023 in Washington, DC.Getty Images
Johnson insists that the XFL isn’t a side business for him, and that the league has a vision under the present model they’re following.
“This isn’t just an endeavor that’s going to replenish a portfolio and sooner or later we flip it and we’re out,” Johnson said. “That is legacy. That is the long game.”
The league is projecting $100 million in revenue next season, Forbes indicated.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is confident in regards to the XFL’s long-term outlook. Getty Images
Nearly one-quarter of its income comes from ESPN, which pays the league $20 million per season.
The aforementioned Garcia, chair of the XFL, echoed Johnson’s sentiments regarding the league’s ability to progress.
“We’re extremely well-capitalized for the long-term,” Garcia said. “That is our latest WWE. The subsequent massive live property.”
Eight teams played within the XFL this past season, which ended on May 13 after the Arlington Renegades defeated DC Defenders within the league’s Championship game.
The Renegades were 4-6 within the regular season, while the Defenders finished 9-1.
The championship game had over 22,000 fans in attendance and was reportedly watched by 1.4 million people on TV.
