What is the agreement between the NFL and XFL?
The National Football League has come to an agreement with the XFL to collaborate on expanding the game and protecting the health of football players.
The NFL has come to a partnership agreement with the XFL that would entail collaboration in particular programs to innovate the game and focus on the health and safety of football players.
The XFL, which is set to resume play in February 2023, announced that the partnership will focus on the growth of players both on and off the field by developing programs that will benefit their physical and mental fitness.
'The Rock' optimistic about new deal
XFL owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shared his excitement about the agreement on Twitter. The actor and former Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle says that it will grow the game and that it will be “a force to be reckoned with.”
Exciting time in football as our @XFL2023 will join forces with the @NFL to collaborate on innovation opportunities to expand & grow the game of football.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) February 21, 2022
As an XFL owner, my #1 priority will always be the players.
☑️👇🏾https://t.co/thLLn4NI9o#XFL#NFL#InnovationAndOpportunity pic.twitter.com/rr0WPc3ua3
The joint project will include “the study of playing surfaces and equipment and the sharing of game trends and data,” according to the XFL website.
“We have an open field for innovative rules to enhance in-game access. Sharing insights and practices between the XFL and NFL will do a tremendous amount of good for the game of football and support the player ecosystem overall,” according to Dany Garcia, co-owner and XFL chairperson.
Garcia, Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners bought the XFL after it suspended operations last year due to the covid-19 pandemic.
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No sharing of players
The XFL clarified that the partnership will not cover sharing players for developmental purposes, according to ESPN. But the new partnership remains significant as it comes in the face of the growth of alternative football leagues. The United States Football League had earlier announced that it will hold its inaugural game in April.
We are the USFL 🏈
— USFL (@USFL) November 22, 2021
🐾 @USFLPanthers
🎖 @USFLGenerals
⭐️ @USFLStars
⚒️ @USFLMaulers
🐎 @USFLStallions
🎰 @USFLGamblers
🌊 @USFLBreakers
🤠 @USFLBandits pic.twitter.com/IWppp5b2Sz
NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent says he hopes the relationship they have forged will result in “improvements in the game of football at all levels”.
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Other points of possible cooperation include international football development, the use of technology to improve officiating, and trying out different game rules to boost overall play while keeping the players protected.
The agreement is not exclusive and will allow both leagues to collaborate with others if there are opportunities to do so in the future.