TAMPA, Fla. — An XFL league source has confirmed that operations have been suspended and all employees, except for a few executives, have been fired. ESPN reports there are no plans for a return in 2021.
The XFL suspended its season March 12 after the coronavirus outbreak shut down all of the major professional sports leagues. The league stated it had plans for 2021 and beyond. In a statement released to ESPN, the league said it "is evaluating next steps."
All players will be paid through the end of the regular season, which would've been this weekend. Teams played just five of their 10 regular season games.
The Tampa Bay Vipers finished 1-4.
Founded in 2001 by WWE owner Vince McMahon, the first run of the XFL also ended after one season. The latest version appeared to be focused more on football and less on WWE-style entertainment value.
A handful of ex-XFL players, including Vipers long-snapper Nick Moore (Baltimore Ravens), have signed with NFL teams.
