The XFL is no more.
The spring football league funded by Vince McMahon suspended all operations Friday and laid off most of its staff, with no immediate plans to return in 2021.
ESPN first reported the news, which a DC Defenders employee later confirmed:
The XFL is suspending day-to-day operations, and for the first time in my professional career, I am a free agent. I love what I do and think I am very very good at it.
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) April 10, 2020
DMs are open and my email is Troy.Machir@gmail.com.
A casualty of the coronavirus pandemic, the XFL appeared to be getting better ratings and more attendance than the defunct league it was often compared to, the Alliance of American Football. The AAF folded before the conclusion of its inaugural season in 2019 due to financial trouble.
There were no signs of that for the XFL, which had the backing of hundreds of millions of dollars McMahon had made off World Wrestling Entertainment.
But halfway through its 2020 season, games had to be suspended, just like every other sports league in North America.
The XFL suspended its season on March 20 and officially canceled it a week later, but each time mentioned in statements on social media and in press releases that the league planned to return in 2021.
The DC Defenders were one of eight teams in the league and played at Audi Field in southeast Washington.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.