Billionaire Fed Up With Anthem Protests Starts Brand New America Loving League Slated for 2020
The year 2020 looks like it may be an exciting one — for politics and for sports.
Chairman and CEO of the WWE Vince McMahon announced this week that he plans to revive the XFL, which folded in 2001 after only one season.
Though the league will share the same name, it will be noticeably different than it once was. Namely, it won’t rely on gimmicks or antics like the former league did, which was at least part of the reason why it was unsuccessful.
It will also have a key distinction that sets it apart from the current state of the NFL: Politics will be left out of it.
The WWE CEO made it clear he does not want any political affiliation or social controversy to surround the league, adding that rules would be put in place that everyone must abide by.
“People don’t want social and political issues coming into play when they are trying to be entertained,” McMahon said, according to ESPN.
He can say that again.
Regarding the anthem controversy that is currently costing the NFL fans and money, McMahon said during a press conference Thursday that it would be “appropriate” for XFL players to stand for the national anthem, Fox Business News reported.
“I think, again, it’s a time-honored tradition to stand and appreciate the national anthem with any sport,” he said. “Here in America — for that matter, in any country … so I think it’d be appropriate to do that.”
CBS News reported that McMahon created Alpha Entertainment, which will be separate from WWE, to fund the league. He also recently sold 3.34 million shares of WWE stock to help fund the venture. Alpha Entertainment also reportedly acquired five XFL trademarks that WWE abandoned after the XFL dissolved.
McMahon confirmed Thursday that he would solely fund the venture with the money obtained from his WWE stocks.
The WWE CEO expressed hope for the league during what can only be described as a disastrous time for the NFL.
“The new XFL is an exciting opportunity to reimagine America’s favorite sport,” McMahon said in a statement.
Input from fans will be a major part of developing the league, which includes rules and team locations, he explained.
“As we move towards kickoff, we look forward to listening and implementing innovative ideas from players, coaches, medical experts, technology executives, the media and most importantly football fans,” he added.
McMahon said it would be optimal to see games played in as quick as two hours, adding that watching a three-hour long game was sometimes laborious.
ESPN reported that the XFL’s first season would consist of eight teams playing a 10-week schedule. It is also being reported that the league’s schedule would not not directly compete with the NFL’s season.
McMahon has high hopes for the new league, and it will be interesting to see if fans give it a chance.
Share this story on Facebook an Twitter to spread the word about the XFL making a comeback.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
