XFL and USFL are joining forces to create a single spring football league. The leagues confirmed their intention in a joint statement, saying that the merger is still pending “customary regulatory approvals.”
There are currently no details about the format of the new league or when it plans to start playing.
According to a statement by XFL, the joint league aims to establish “best-in-class operations based on the most recent seasons of both leagues.”
“This historic combination will anchor professional spring football with substantial capabilities and resources to ensure future growth and continue to enhance the development of the collective players, coaches, and staff that are coming together,” the statement says.
XFL was originally formed in 2001 by WWE co-founder Vince McMahon and played just one season before folding. It was resurrected in 2018 and started playing in 2020 before a pandemic forced it to quit the campaign midway through and declare bankruptcy.
A group led by actor Dwayne Johnson purchased XFL from McMahon and successfully organized a full season in 2023. Eight teams played, with the Arlington Renegades becoming champions.
USFL, on the other hand, was built on the remains of the United States Football League from the early 1980s. The spring league, owned by FOX, also featured eight teams. It played in 2022 and 2023, with Birmingham Stallions winning back-to-back championships.
