The XFL (X-Treme Football League) announced that it has entered into an agreement with ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) and The Walt Disney Company for a five-year deal that would provide the networks unparalleled broadcasting rights to all gameday material from 2023 to 2027.
On February 18, 2023, the league will kick off with a 40-game standard campaign, two playoff games, and one championship game. ESPN, ABC, and FX will broadcast the games live.
Media rights for Disney’s digital mediums (Disney+), as well as streaming services like ESPN+, are included in this association.
XFL Co-owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, said, “This is a definitive moment for the XFL and the beginning of an incredible, long-term partnership for the league, building on my longstanding, very successful legacy relationship I’ve had with Disney throughout my career.
“We’re excited to be working with global visionaries that are aligned with the XFL’s values, are true team players and share our ambitious goals to grow the XFL as a global sports and entertainment business. Through the combined power of Disney, ESPN and the XFL, together we will create a new powerhouse on the sports calendar and bring a dynamic game of football to fans everywhere. Time to ball out.”
Dany Garcia, Co-owner and Chairwoman of XFL, said, “Without question, we have long admired Disney’s distinct ability to engage an expansive consumer fanbase across verticals, while also maintaining a deeply authentic, nuanced and heartfelt approach to storytelling much like our own.
“To find a partner that honors our foundation and to be able to root our vision of unwavering passion, accessibility and the future of football with Disney as our home, is a dream come true. We are extraordinarily excited to explore the endless possibilities of this partnership – today is surely just the beginning.”