Year Eight Financial Report Released
July 1, 2008
New York, NY - The attendance numbers went down slightly to an average of 28.4k per game, likely due to the United Football League. The salary cap is set to rise to $4.5M and each franchise will now be allowed to have two designated franchise players that will not be counted against the salary cap.
The report states that the league is 16.6% owned by Alpha Entertainment LLC(McMahon), 16.6% Legendary Field Exhibitions LLC(Ebersol), 16.6% 2929 Sports & Entertainment LLC(Cuban), 3.1% Dallas Football LLC(Desperados), 3.1% Kroenke Sports & Entertainment LLC(Stars), 3.1% Trifecta Sports Entertainment LLC(Guardians), 3.1% Speros Ventures LLC(Steel), 3.1% Benson Sports LLC(Commanders), 3.1% Maloof Sports LLC(Aztecs), 3.1% FedEx Express Sports LLC(Express), 3.1% Williams Corporation Sports LLC(Rage), 3.1% Wirtz Sports Corporation LLC(Enforcers), 3.1% Foundation Ohio Sports LLC(Renacci), 3.1% Monumental Sports & Entertainment LLC(Valor), 3.1% Sunburst Sports & Entertainment LLC (Bandits), 3.1% TD Omaha Sports & Entertainment LLC(Mammoths), 3.1% United Mountain Lions Sports LLC(Mountain Lions), 3.1% Professional OKC Sports Club LLC(Roughnecks) and 3.1% Gleiberman Sports & Entertainment LLC(Force).
Expenditures totaled $166.9M for the 2008 season. Costs consisted of $66M from player contracts, $12.9M for Player Bonuses, $48M in front office/coaching contracts, $3M on league staff contracts, $16M in stadium leases, $16M in traveling expenses, and $4M on insurance.
The league did receive $30M from TV contracts, $5.5M from each of the sixteen franchise owners, $84.5M in ticket sales, $2.5M in loan repayment from Gleiberman Sports & Entertainment LLC, $16M in merchandise and $6M in sponsorships totaling $227M.
The league ended the 2008 season $60M in surplus. The league will continue to operate under a hybrid franchise model, as each franchise is individually ran and operated, but all profits and costs are still league orientated.
XFL To Provide Employees Tuition-Free College Degree Program
July 5, 2008
New York, NY - The XFL is partnering with Strategic Education, Inc., a leader in online education, to offer its players and league staff a tuition-free, debt-free college degree program. XFL players and staff can enroll at Strategic Education’s Strayer University and Capella University, both institutionally accredited universities that support busy working adults in achieving their academic goals.
“We are delighted to partner with Strategic Education, a market leader in online education in the United States,” said Mark Cuban, XFL owner. “Athletic dreams often compete with educational goals, so we are hoping to reduce the burden by supporting USFL players and staff in their effort to achieve college degrees by proudly offering this free benefit.” “We are thrilled to partner with the XFL to provide their players and staff with engaging and flexible degree programs,” said Robert Silberman, executive chairman of Strategic Education. “Strategic Education’s institutions have been educating adult learners for 130 years, and this innovative education benefit demonstrates the XFL’s strong leadership and care for their players.”
XFL Announces Game Enhancements For 2009 Season
July 8, 2008
New York, NY - In an effort to make XFL games innovative, modern and accessible to the fans, the XFL's Competition Committee announced game enhancements and rule modifications for the league's 2009 season. "The XFL's Competition Committee looked at the current rules that govern most professional football leagues and determined ways to enhance the overall experience for both the players and the fans," said XFL co-Founder Vince McMahon. "Our mission is to provide greater access to traditionally off-limit locations, including the locker room and behind the bench, to better engage the fans and bring them closer to the action."
The rule enhancements that have been approved for the 2009 season include:
- The deletion of the "Tuck" rule which makes a loose ball a fumble if the passer loses possession of the ball as he is putting it away after completion of the forward pass motion.
- A fumble into and out of the end zone returns the ball to the spot of the fumble when not recovered in the end zone - making it consistent with other fumble rules.
- The Quarterback can legally ground the football if inside or outside the pocket area while under duress.
- Approved television cameras will be allowed in the locker rooms for the first four minutes of halftime.
- Head Coaches will be wired for sound for television broadcasts. Cameras and microphones in the bench area will be allowed during the game to capture real-time emotional moments.
- TV audience will hear coach to quarterback communications on tape-delayed basis
XFL Hires Former NFL Executive Rick Mueller To Lead League's Football Operations
July 11, 2008
New York, NY - The XFL has hired former NFL executive Rick Mueller as President of Football Operations & General Manager of the expansion Hartford Colonials. "Having built football teams for most of my career, I am well aware of the pool of talent out there that is often overlooked and could thrive in a league like the XFL," said Mueller. I am excited to reconnect with Commissioner Huyghue, with whom I worked in Jacksonville and I look forward to collaborating with the league's highly qualified coaches and staff."
"Rick Mueller brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his more than 14 years in the NFL," said Commissioner Michael Huyghue. "Rick has played a significant role in building winning sports franchises from the scouting of players to draft day decisions to contract negotiations. The XFL is very fortunate to have him leading the league's football operations and working with the individual teams as we move closer to our 2009 season."
XFL Players Sign With NFL Teams
July 15, 2008
New York, NY - The XFL announced that several of its players have signed with NFL teams. The XFL concluded its season this past month and since then, four current players have been signed to NFL teams' active rosters. Standout Birmingham Steel WR Larry Brackins has signed with the NFL's New York Jets. "I'm happy to get him another shot at the NFL," said Steel head coach Marty Schottenheimer. "We feel he's come a long way in the past two years as a professional and we wish the best for him." Salt Lake City Mountain Lions OL Phil Bogle signed with the San Diego Chargers.
All-XFL Los Angeles Stars DB Marquis Floyd signed with the Seattle Seahawks. "Marquis deserves the opportunity to showcase his talents on the big field," said Stars head coach Rick Neuheisel. "He's a big, athletic defensive back who can help Seattle's secondary and he can also play special teams." Omaha Mammoths' DL Maurice Fountain, a member of the 2008 XFL All-Rookie Team, has signed with the Miami Dolphins. Fountain tallied 33.5 tackles in 2008 and was second on the team in sacks with eight with two pass deflections and a forced fumble. "Maurice had a tremendous season for us in 2008 and was one of the main reasons why we made the playoffs for the third straight time in our franchise history," Omaha Mammoths head coach Frank Solich said. "We wish him the best in his endeavors with the Dolphins."
XFL Announces 2009 Season to Air on VERSUS
August 20, 2008
New York, NY - The XFL announced VERSUS, a national sports network in more than 75 million homes, will air three of the league's regular season games weekly beginning with the 2009 season. Versus will be joining NBC and FOX as a broadcast partner for the league. NBC currently broadcasts the primetime Thursday, Friday and Monday night games while FOX broadcasts the Saturday and Sunday night games along with the Sunday noon game. Versus will now have the rights to the Saturday noon and afternoon game along with the Sunday afternoon game.
"The XFL's business model is to align with companies who are willing to grow with us and embrace the XFL's vision of innovation, accessibility, excitement and entertainment," said Commissioner Michael Huyghue. "As a national sports network with more than 75 million viewers, we felt there was no better network to showcase the XFL. The XFL is very excited about many of the enhancements our television broadcast will have during the season. Airing our events on VERSUS along with NBC and Fox, will allow us the opportunity to provide our at-home audience with a true inside look on game day."
"We are excited to be a television home of the XFL," said Marc Fein, Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and Business Operations for VERSUS. "The XFL has put together a great management team and sound plan and we are looking forward to the opportunity to expose these games to a national audience each week that will allow for the growth of both of our companies."
Fans to Help Decide XFL Championship Game Site
September 15, 2008
New York, NY - The fans of the XFL will have a unique opportunity to influence the venue for the 2009 Million Dollar Game when the top two teams play for the championship in June. Several factors will determine the site for the 2009 XFL championship game, including each team's record and local support, a combination of attendance, fan club membership, social media interaction and atmosphere in the home stadium. The XFL will decide between five current cities which will host. The venue options for the championship game are: the Florida Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Rentschler Field, Hartford, Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha and Alamodome, San Antonio(San Antonio Commanders).
"From day one we have attempted to be as fan friendly as possible and have sought to include the fans in major decisions," explained XFL Commissioner Michael Huyghue. "This year we want to extend the opportunity for five of the XFL markets to have a shot at hosting the game and will empower their fans to influence our decision. Our championship game will provide the host city with a financial boost during and it will give all of the football fans in the city the opportunity to witness the exciting season finale. Fans will have a say in where we host the biggest game of the year and that is exciting for us as a league."
Thurman Thomas Joins Roughnecks' Ownership Group
September 16, 2008
Oklahoma City, OK - Former Buffalo Bills running back and 2007 National Football League Hall of Fame Inductee, Thurman Thomas has joined current owner Clay Bennett's in the Oklahoma City Roughnecks' ownership group. "Over the past couple of months Thurman and I have become extremely good friends," stated Bennett, "It's a great thing for this team and the future of football in Oklahoma City. He is very excited about joining our organization. This is an amazing league. They have compiled the best football minds in the country and put them all into one league. It is going to be extremely competitive and a lot of fun for our fans and the City of Oklahoma City."
Conquerors and Colonials Complete Expansion Draft
September 20, 2008
Las Vegas, NV - Tight End Quinn Sypniewski became the first player in Hartford Colonials history when the team made him the first overall selection in the 2009 XFL Expansion Draft. The Colonials also selected QB Mike McMahon, RB Dahrran Diedrick, WR Craphonso Thorpe, OL Joe Toledo and Jasper Harvey, LBs Saleem Rasheed, Matt Sinclair and Jonny Baldwin and DBs Adam Archuleta, Bruce Thornton and Diamond Ferri. The Conquerors selected QBs Timmy Chang and Omar Jacobs, WRs PK Sam and Troy Walters, TE Jed Weaver, OL Rick DeMulling and Jeremy Parquet, DL Bill Swancutt, Peppi Zellner and Kevin Vickerson, LB Spencer Toone and DB Alan Zemaitis. This is the first of several player announcements for the Las Vegas and Hartford franchises that will be made over the next few months.
"In our inaugural season as a franchise, it has been very exciting going through the player allocation process and utilizing a blank canvas to create a winning franchise," said Hartford head coach Chris Palmer. "There are many talented players who are looking for another chance to shine and I am glad the XFL is providing that opportunity for both of us."
"The players who have signed with the Las Vegas franchise thus far are a top-notch line-up of former NFL veterans and skilled players who have the experience to produce on the field," said Las Vegas head coach Dennis Green. "I am anxious to complete my roster and begin training camp in January."
2008 Territorial Draft
October 20, 2008
New York, NY -
RB Kevin Jones, DB Mike Doss, LBs Dontarrious Thomas and Teddy Lehman, TE Ben Troupe, OL Arron Sears, DL Jerome McDougle
"We are taking an aggressive approach to putting a quality team on the field immediately," said Cleveland president and CEO BERNIE KOSAR. "Raymond, Silas and Brandon are exactly the type of players that we can build a foundation around as we continue to put together a championship-caliber team."
2008 Supplemental Draft
November 20, 2008
New York, NY - DL Dewayne Robertson, LB Boss Bailey, WR Reggie Williams, OL James Marten, Force, RB Tatum Bell, LB Rufus Alexander, LB Buster Davis, WR Koren Robinson, OL Kwame Harris, WR Dexter Jackson, RB Marcel Shipp, OL George Foster, OL Al Johnson, DL Erasmus James, LB Gilbert Gardner, DB Stuart Schweigert and LB Odell Thurman
"We went into free agency with the idea that we wanted to bring in some players with experience," Guy said about his first day signings. "We feel like we've done that. These players have all been battle-tested, and will provide a great nucleus for this team in 2009 and beyond."
"Wendall Gaines was one of our absolute top priorities in free agency, and we're thrilled to have him back in a Rattler uniform. We feel like he can do a lot of things for us, and he's one of the premier pass-rushers in this league," said Guy.
"Eric is one of the best in the league at his position," said Guy. "He is very dependable, and doesn't give up any push. He's a great leader, and he's as good a person as he is a player."
Hartford Colonials Uniforms Unveiled
November 22, 2008
Hartford, CT - The Hartford Colonials unveiled their new uniforms for the 2009 season. The Colonials uniforms, with the home (blue) and road (white) jerseys, were modeled by running back Troy Hambrick and WR Craphonso Thorpe. Hartford's colors are blue, white and gold. The helmet and pants are gold.
"I think the uniforms are very nice. It symbolizes a lot with the State Capitol on the helmet and the colors. There's blue, just like UConn," said Hambrick. "Being that we play at Rentschler Field, having blue in there is good. The color selection is great. I think these are jerseys that the fans would buy."
"I like them. I like them a lot. It reminds me a lot of Notre Dame," said Thorpe.
Hartford Colonials Host Select-A-Seat Open House Event At Rentschler Field
January 5, 2009
Hartford, CT - The Hartford Colonials are offering fans an exciting opportunity to meet players and choose the best available seats at Rentschler Field for the upcoming 2009 XFL season. Fans will have an opportunity to purchase season tickets and choose their seat. Current season ticket holders can view their seat location and have the option to move. Season ticket prices start at $175. Colonials jerseys and t-shirts will be available for purchase. Players and cheerleaders will be at the event to sign autographs and pose for pictures.
"We have already received a great response from our fans for the inaugural season, and we are hosting this Select-A-Seat event so that our fans can reserve the best available seats for this season," said Evan Mitz, Manager of New Business Development for the Colonials.
Conquerors Sign JP Losman
January 18, 2009
Las Vegas, NV - The XFL announced that the Las Vegas Conquerors have signed former NFL first-round draft pick Jonathan Paul "JP" Losman. "I have followed JP's career since his early days with Buffalo where he impressed me with his raw talent, passing accuracy and on-field competitiveness," said Conquerors head coach Dennis Green. "JP has all the attributes of a great professional quarterback and I am truly looking forward to working with him. I am anxious to start the season with JP at the helm and show what we can do on the field."
"The XFL is providing me with the opportunity to play the sport I love at a high level and for that, I am extremely grateful," said Losman. "There are many players just like me who possess the skills to compete at the highest levels and just need the playing time to showcase their talents. The XFL is filling that void and giving more players the opportunity to play. I am excited to get back out onto the field and represent Las Vegas."
Doug Flutie to Visit Hartford Training Camp
January 31, 2009
Hartford, CT - Former Buffalo Bills and CFL quarterback Doug Flutie will attend Hartford Colonials training camp at Sage Park in Berlin, CT to scout the team as part of his preparations for analyzing the upcoming 2009 XFL season as he prepares for his career as an XFL announcer on the VERSUS network. "You want to grab a ball and start slinging," Flutie admitted after his first visit to a XFL camp this summer. "You miss that competiveness. Being around these guys, I understand what they're going through in camp."
