XFL (2001)

The XFL was a professional American football league founded by Vince McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, then WWF). It operated for a single season in 2001. The league was conceived as a counterpoint to the National Football League (NFL), offering a more exciting, less regulated, and higher-scoring version of the game.

The XFL aimed to differentiate itself from the NFL through rule changes, such as eliminating the fair catch on punts, altering kickoff formations for more immediate collisions, and allowing single-play overtimes. Player interviews were also emphasized, often with a more relaxed and less sanitized approach compared to the NFL. Sideline access was granted to broadcasters in ways previously unseen.

Eight teams were established across the United States, each with its own unique branding. Despite a highly publicized launch and significant initial television ratings, viewership rapidly declined throughout the season. The league struggled to maintain a consistent on-field product, and its attempts at spectacle and entertainment value often overshadowed the quality of the football itself.

Ultimately, the XFL (2001) was deemed a financial failure and was shut down after just one season. WWE lost a significant amount of money on the venture. While considered a failure at the time, the XFL (2001) is notable for its innovations in broadcast presentation and rule modifications, some of which have influenced later football leagues. It also served as a cautionary tale regarding the challenges of competing with the established NFL. The brand was later revived in 2020 (and again in 2023), but with a different ownership and structure.