XFL suspends season due to coronavirus concerns

UPDATE: The XFL released a statement announcing the suspension of the season. The players will receive their full pay and benefits and XFL ticket holders will receive refunds or credit toward future games

Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular season games. However, all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games. The XFL is committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years.

The XFL held out for as long as they could, but they will now suspend their season due to coronavirus concerns, according to Pro Football Talk. The news was first reported by Konnor Fulk. The NCAA, NHL, NBA, MLB and many other leagues fell before the XFL, but with Dignity Health Sports Park, the LA Wildcats stadium, shutting down and cities banning large groups from gathering, the suspension of activities was inevitable.

The league played five of their 10 regular season games before being derailed by Covid-19. This news was inevitable as the NBA, NCAA, NHL and others have suspended or cancelled games to try to mitigate the virus from spreading.

Overall, the XFL had a successful start, as television numbers stayed competitive with other sports and game play varied from awful to great, much like the NFL and college football. Attendance and television ratings did wane as expected, but with Vince McMahon’s backing, the plan was they would lose money for three years as it is. It seems they should be able to continue on next season, but there is no solid news on their plans of yet.