Year Twenty-One Financial Report ReleasedAugust 1, 2021
New York, NY -
"We are pleased with our overall financial results for 2021," said Owner Vince McMahon. "It is a testament to the continued support of our season ticket members, corporate partners, and fans. The COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions that were implemented in 2020 had a detrimental impact on the league. With the support of our community, the league was able to weather this storm, get back on the field for our incredible fans."
European League of Football LaunchedAugust 2, 2021
Hamburg, GERMANY - SEH Sports & Entertainment LLC has unveiled plans for the European League of Football (ELF) in a bid to capitalize on the growing popularity of the sport in Central Europe. The company, which was set up by Zeljko Karajica, the former managing director of German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1, is looking to launch the new eight-team competition next June.
Franchises in the German cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Stuttgart have so far been confirmed as well as Poland’s Wroclaw Panthers. A further team is set to be added. Following its inaugural 2022 season, SEH plans to expand the ELF by inviting teams from other nations, eventually leading to 20 teams competing from ten countries. Karajica has been named chief executive of the league. He will be joined by former football player and current coach Patrick Esume in running the competition.
“The ELF is managed by a professional franchise system and we are convinced that the time is right for a top European league,” said Karajica. “The interest in American football is growing from year to year, especially in Germany. We offer fans a highly attractive product during the NFL-free period. With the kick-off in April 2022, we will present the ELF as a brand in the media and offer the games to a wide audience on both analogue and digital channels. Playing by NFL rules gives us the opportunity to put a more exciting product onto the gridiron, but also opens up the possibility to look for a close alliance to the NFL in regards to player and referee development.”
CFL not Closing the Door on Resumption of XFL Partnership talksAugust 4, 2021
Toronto, ONTARIO, CANADA - The focus remains on the 2021 season but CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie hasn’t closed the door on partnership talks with the XFL. “We both decided and agreed that we would go back to our respective businesses and focus on our own leagues, for now,” Ambrosie said. “We haven’t set any plans to reconnect. But because the relationship was positive, the door was left open for the possibility that we talk again down the road. But today and for the foreseeable future, it’s all CFL all the time.”
Ambosie wouldn’t divulge what was discussed between the two leagues but said no stone was left unturned. “It would be disingenuous to suggest that we didn’t talk about everything,” he said. “Now, we’ve got our game, our league and our own future to navigate and I think that’s going to mean having conversations about how do we take our league to the next level? How do we grow the game? How do we double, then double again and double again our success? We’ll have an opportunity for consultation with our stakeholders, our fans, with amateur football, with university football because we don’t need to grow the CFL, we need to grow football in Canada. We need to make our game stronger.”
CFL Unlikely to Play in 2021August 16, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - The CFL, once again, will not be getting an interest-free loan from the Canadian government. The two sides have been talking since last August after the Canadian Football League closed the door to their 2020 season. According to CFL expert Rod Peterson, sources are telling him it is 60/40 that there WILL NOT be a CFL season in 2021. “There are some teams very low on cash, very. I wouldn’t put the Toronto Argonauts in that category, nor the Calgary Stampeders. But these community-owned teams have lost millions and millions. So what’s going on in the CFL right now? There are some teams that I have no idea how they’re keeping the lights on. I have no idea.”
Peterson believes the CFL are talking about a possible merger with the newly formed European League of Football if talks with the XFL continues to stall. The CFL and it's eleven franchises; Montreal Alouettes, Toronto Argonauts, Edmonton Football Team, Ottawa RedBlacks, Calgary Stampeders, BC Lions, Atlantic Schooners, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Hamilton Tiger-cats, Detroit-Windsor Muscle and Saskatchewan Roughriders remain in limbo. “Well, I’m hearing next year, but I don’t know how that’s possible, I would think 2023.”
The Toronto Jousters have Joined the XFLAugust 20, 2021
Toronto, Ontario, Canada - To end the speculation of the last few weeks, Bill Manning and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment LLC have announced that they were granted an XFL expansion franchise for the 2022 season. Bill Manning announced the team as the Toronto Jousters and that they would be led by former University of Georgia and University of Miami head coach Mark Richt. Former Toronto Argonauts Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie would serve as the offensive coordinator while former Argonauts general manager Michael Clemons would also be joining the staff in the same capacity. Former University of Miami head coach Al Golden was named as the defensive coordinator. James Coley, Jarious Jackson and Jon Richt also were named to the staff as the Tight Ends Coach, QBs Coach and WRs Coach, respectively.
The Jousters will be playing their home games at BMO stadium. Manning did say that other former Argonauts would also be joining the Jousters such as QBs Nick Arbuckle and Kelly Bryant, RB John White, WRs Keyarris Garrett, Kendall Wright, and Eric Rogers, OL Shane Richards, DL Charleston Hughes, Cordarro Law and Dwayne Hendrix, LBs Odell Willis and Bear Woods, DBs James Sample, Shaquille Richardson and Stanley Jean-Baptiste, K Boris Bede and LS Jake Reinhart.
XFL Founder Vince McMahon then took the stage and announced that the XFL would be playing the 2022 season with 30 teams. The Toronto Jousters are number 29 and the other team would be announced later this offseason. McMahon said the new additions were first class football minds with first rate talent, placed in first rate cities that will allow the league to take another step towards legitimacy. He finished by saying the league was working with former CFL television provider, TSN, on a two game weekly broadcast deal as well. "The more eyes on our league, the better. We're here to stay."
Jacksonville Jaguars signed TE Tim TebowAugust 21, 2021
Jacksonville, FL - Tim Tebow's return to the NFL became official. Tebow signed a one-year deal worth $920,000, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. It's no surprise, of course, seeing as Tebow hasn't played in a regular-season NFL game since 2012, but since he's getting a last chance at reviving his NFL career with his former college coach, Urban Meyer, who watched him play at a high level for the San Antonio Commanders of the XFL last year.
Crusaders, Defenders and Bolts to play home games at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, OhioAugust 22, 2021
Canton, OH - The London Crusaders, Cologne Defenders and Berlin Bolts will play their 2022 home games at Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, the XFL announced. The space will also host the Eastern conference championship game in late June, plus the XFL championship game in July. Hall of Fame Village previously hosted XFL postseason games last year. “The XFL is excited that the Crusaders, Defenders and the Bolts will practice and play games in Canton during the 2022 regular season,” Brian Woods, the XFL executive president of football operations said. “The outstanding regional support we received during our first postseason from football fans in Ohio and Pennsylvania, coupled with our successful partnership with the Hall of Fame Village, led to this moment.”
“As the XFL works to eventually move the Crusaders, Defenders and Bolts back to Europe, playing the 2022 regular season games in Canton presents an incredible opportunity for fans throughout the region to check us out and see first-hand the high-quality professional football being played in the XFL.”
XFL Hires Mike Nolan as Vipers Head CoachAugust 25, 2021
Mexico City, MEXICO - The XFL announced that NFL veteran coach Mike Nolan has been hired as head coach of the Mexico City Vipers. Nolan, 63, was head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2005-2008, and has held numerous coaching positions for 11 NFL franchises, mostly on defense. "We are honored to welcome Mike Nolan to the XFL family as the new head coach of the Mexico City Vipers," said Bill Polian, XFL commissioner. "When we confirmed that the XFL would be returning to Mexico City, we immediately started the challenging process to find another experienced, charismatic leader to lead them while creating excitement for the players and fans. Mike was the perfect fit for that role."
"I am very excited to join the XFL," Nolan said. "Playing great football and competing at a high level is what the Vipers are going to be about. It will take a loud and rabid fan base to help us get there. Our goal with the Vipers is to play with energy and pride for the entire country we represent. I want our fans to be proud to root for the Vipers. As the son of a coach, I was blessed to be around the game and football players for all of my life. I love the game, but more importantly, I love the relationships that are created when competing for a common goal. My staff and I look forward to getting to work and beginning the process to make the Vipers the top team in the XFL."
The XFL Lands in MontrealSeptember 3, 2021
Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - Gary Stern along with S and S Sportsco LLC announced that they were granted a 2022 XFL expansion franchise and that the team would be known as the Montreal Monarchs. Spiegel then introduced former University of Washington Huskies head coach, Chris Peterson, as the Monarchs first head coach. Peterson then took the stage and announced his offensive and defensive coordinators. Former University of California and the CFL's BC Lions head coach, Jeff Tedford, would be joining the Monarchs as the offensive coordinator, while former Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio would be joining the staff as the defensive coordinator. Former Montreal Alouettes head coach and general manager, Khari Jones and Danny Maciocia, as the QBs coach and GM for the Monarchs, while former Alouettes defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni comes over as the LBs Coach. The Monarchs' would be playing their home games at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.
Stern stated, "We want to be the official Canada's team of the XFL. We plan on pursuing the best players available from the CFL and what Canada has to offer. It will be a priority for this franchise and we're going to start off by announcing the signing of three time CFL All-Star QB Jeremiah Masoli."
Monarchs Challenge the NFLSeptember 10, 2021
Montreal, QUEBEC, CANADA - Montreal Monarchs owner Gary Stern again held a press conference with big grins on their faces. "We're about to introduce you all to our new starting running back, Chuba Hubbard!" Hubbard was born in Alberta, Canada and played his college football at Oklahoma State University where he was a two time All-American, three time All-Conference and two time BIG12 conference Offensive Player of the Year. After sitting out his redshirt Junior year due to a conflict with Oklahoma State's Head Coach Mike Gundy, he entered the 2021 NFL Draft where he was projected to be a late first or early second round selection, but fell to the 4th round to the Tennessee Titans. He never signed a contract with the Titans after holding out. S and S Sportsco LLC announced that they have signed Chuba Hubbard to a 1 year $2M deal with the understanding that Hubbard would be entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
Hubbard stated, "I'm excited to be coming back home to Canada and being a Montreal Monarch. I'm very grateful for the XFL and Mr. Stern for giving me this opportunity. I can't wait to get the opportunity to further prove to scouts that I can play at the professional level and that I am worth a 1st round selection."
CFL Takes Over Ownership of Montreal Alouettes FranchiseSeptember 15, 2021
Montreal, ALBERTA, CANADA - For the second time since 2019, the Canadian Football League has assumed ownership of the Montreal Alouettes’ franchise, the league announced. “The CFL has informed the CFLPA that they will assume ownership of the Montreal Football Club effective immediately, as the former ownership group has relinquished control,” the CFL Players’ Association said in a statement. “All club operations will resume, including free agency and preparation for the 2022 CFL season.”
According to the CFL, numerous parties have expressed “serious interest” in purchasing the Als, including individuals, groups and businesses that reside or operate in Montreal or Quebec. With this news, the Als no longer are owned by Clifford Starke. He purchased the team from the league in 2019 who operated the franchise taking over from the late Robert Wetenhall and his son, Andrew. “The CFL wants to express its deep gratitude for their stewardship of the Alouettes,” the CFL stated. “Cliff purchased the team at a critical time in its history. The league will fund all day-to-day operational expenses and continue to ensure all the financial obligations are met.”
TSN to Broadcast the XFLSeptember 21, 2021
New York, NY - The Sports Network(TSN) is the leading sports network throughout Canada and has been expressing interest in adding XFL games to their programming since they ended their relationship with the CFL earlier this year. TSN will be airing all of the Toronto Jousters and Montreal Monarchs games across their networks weekly. The network signed a $30M one year agreement with the league.
With TSN choosing the XFL over the CFL will be very damaging for the league above the border. The CFL has already cut salaries drastically across the league and without any TV money coming in, the league could be in real danger.
Fleet, Breakers and Panthers to Play at Ford Field in DetroitNovember 29, 2021
Detroit, MI - The San Diego Fleet, Los Angeles Breakers and Oakland Panthers will play their 2022 home games at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan due to California not yet open from the pandemic, the XFL announced. The stadium will also host the Western conference championship game in late June. "Detroit is the city of champions, and Visit Detroit, and the Detroit Sports Commission are excited to welcome the Oakland Panthers, Los Angeles Breakers and San Diego Fleet to the city," said Claude Molinari, President and CEO of Visit Detroit. "Having the XFL in the city will further enhance Detroit's momentum and highlight the incredible cultural vibrancy our region offers visitors and residents alike."
"We're excited to deliver high-quality and competitive professional spring football to fans all across the country who crave more football," said Johnston. "The XFL has proven itself to be a stable league run by experienced football leaders who provide a fan-friendly, fun, and affordable stadium experience while being a catalyst for the evolution of football through innovative rules," said Russ Brandon, XFL President. "Our elite broadcast partners give viewers unprecedented access and the best football production on television. We're showing our fans, our players, our coaches, our communities, and public and corporate partners that the XFL is here to stay."
Former Alouettes Joining Monarchs in XFLDecember 2, 2021
Montreal, ALBERTA, CANADA - QB Vernon Adams, RBs Tyrell Sutton and James Wilder Jr., WRs BJ Cunningham, Fabian Guerra, Naaman Roosevelt, Jake Wieneke and Mario Alford, DBs Taylor Loffler and Greg Reid all joined the Monarchs in the XFL.
Former Sooner Spencer Rattler Signs with Mexico City VipersDecember 13, 2021
Mexico City, MEXICO - Former Oklahoma starting quarterback Spencer Rattler has signed with the Mexico City Vipers of the XFL. Rattler entered 2021 as a preseason Heisman favorite and presumed first-round pick for the 2022 NFL Draft following a strong 2020 season. However, Oklahoma's offense was sluggish to open the year and Rattler was benched in favor of freshmen backup Caleb Williams, who led the biggest comeback in the history of the Red River Shoot-out. Williams then started the rest of the season.
Rattler wilted at times this past season under the spotlight and pressure of being the consensus Heisman favorite at Oklahoma. In the XFL, he will get to work through some of those demons without constant pressure to perform in hopes of rebuilding his NFL portfolio.
With the rumors circling that the NCAA altering their amateur athletes rules towards payments, most athletes will still try to use the premier programs of the NCAA to launch their future athletic careers.
CFL to Merge with ELF for the 2022 SeasonJanuary 10, 2022
Ottawa, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Canadian Football League held a vote amongst it's ownership groups on the future of the league and the league voted seven-to-two in favor of joining the European League of Football for the 2022 season. Facing huge financial strains, the league could no longer stand on it's own. With this announcement, the BC Lions and Calgary Stampeders will not be joining the ELF for the 2022 season. The Lions and Stampeders ownership groups will continue to look for alternative avenues. If either team joins an alternate league, neither ownership group will be allowed to retain their nicknames as they belong to the CFL. The Hamilton Tiger-cats, Ottawa RedBlacks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Detroit-Windsor Muscle, Atlantic Schooners and the newly named Edmonton Elks will join the ELF as the league plays as a 15 team league.
CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie did state however, that the CFL may return in 2023 as it's own independent league, but for 2022 that option wasn't viable. Multiple teams wouldn't have survived another season without football.
Stampeders QB Mitchell and Argonauts QB Bethel-Thompson leaving CFL for XFLJanuary 25, 2022
New York, NY - Three time CFL Champion and CFL MVP Bo Levi Mitchell is leaving the Calgary Stampeders on a winning note. The veteran quarterback announced that he'll play with the XFL's New Orleans Breakers in 2022. Mitchell became a CFL free agent earlier this month after helping Calgary win the '19 Grey Cup. "My next journey begins with the Toronto Jousters of the XFL and then will continue with considerable NFL interest in the fall. I do not want this decision in any way seen as a dismissal of the CFL. I love the CFL and hold it in the highest regard. Playing in the states this year allows family and football to overlap and I could not pass up on that opportunity."
Toronto Argonauts QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, DL Folarin Orimolade, Saskatchewan Roughriders OL Brett Boyko and LB Darnell Sankey, Montreal Alouettes DB Adarius Pickett, Hamilton Tiger-cats DB Kameron Kelly, Winnipeg Blue Bombers WRs Lucky Whitehead and Janarion Grant, Winnipeg DL Jackson Jeffcoat, Ottawa Redblacks DL Lorenzo Mauldin IV and LB Micah Awe, Edmonton Elks WR Kenny Lawler, Winnipeg Blue Bombers QB Dakota Prukop, Hamilton Tiger-cats DL Valentin Gnahoua, BC Lions QB Antonio Pipkin, Calgary Stampeders DB Trumaine Washington, Montreal Alouettes Hergy Mayala, Hamilton Tiger-cats OL Colin Kelly
NCAA adopts interim name, image and likeness policyFebruary 5, 2022
New York, NY - NCAA college athletes will have the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness. "This is an important day for college athletes since they all are now able to take advantage of name, image and likeness opportunities," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "With the variety of state laws adopted across the country, we will continue to work with Congress to develop a solution that will provide clarity on a national level. The current environment, both legal and legislative, prevents us from providing a more permanent solution and the level of detail student-athletes deserve."