ARLINGTON, Texas (Fwrd Axis) — The XFL is back and Sunday saw eight teams be announced for the rebooted spring football league that will kick off once again on February 18, 2023 — the weekend after next year’s Super Bowl.
XFL owner and actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson revealed Las Vegas, Seattle, Orlando, San Antonio, Houston, Arlington, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. would be getting an XFL franchise.
“We have been working on cool, new logos and innovative uniforms, that match the dynamic and innovative vision of our league,” Johnson said in a statement. “We can’t wait to share in the electrifying excitement from fans once they meet their new ‘hometown team.’ We’ll see you at kickoff.”
“These cities are dynamic, fans are passionate, we have an incredible opportunity, we have incredible stadiums, we can make things happen, we can have the attendance, we have a great partnership. The mayors of each of these cities are beyond static and we got a lot of great football ahead,” said XFL co-owner Dany Garcia.
Anthony Becht will coach the XFL franchise in St. Louis, Terrell Buckley will coach the team in Orlando, Reggie Barlow will coach the D.C. team, and Jim Haslett will coach Seattle. It was also announced Wade Phillips will coach Houston, Bob Stoops will coach the Dallas team, and Hines Ward will coach the San Antonio team.
“When we come here to Arlington, when we go to Houston, I want to hear all the boos because I guarantee you and Alamodome we’re going to boo the crap out of you,” Ward said. “San Antonio, we’re going all the way.”
The XFL will be in direct competition with the USFL, which recently concluded its first season. The USFL saw all teams place in Birmingham, Alabama while the XFL will see each city hosting their own teams in the new season.
