XFL to return in 2023 after ending talks with CFL

The XFL announced Wednesday it will return in 2023 after opting against a formal partnership with the Canadian Football League.

"While our discussions with the CFL did not ultimately lead to a collaboration, the effort reinforced our belief and commitment to developing the XFL for international spring football," the XFL said in a statement, according to Jai Nokes of XFL News Hub.

The CFL and XFL entered into merger talks in March after both leagues canceled their 2020 seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The XFL was forced to end its first campaign since 2001 after completing half of its scheduled 10-week season and filed for bankruptcy. Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital purchased the league for $15 million in August.

"We have acquired the XFL," Johnson said. "With gratitude and passion I've built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our XFL."

A targeted return for spring 2022 was announced in October, but plans were put on hold while the XFL and CFL explored a partnership.

The XFL's 2020 lineup of teams included the St. Louis Battlehawks, Tampa Bay Vipers, New York Guardians, Seattle Dragons, Los Angeles Wildcats, D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, and Dallas Renegades.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.