Since the story of the XFL and USFL being in talks to merge was dropped on Tuesday September 19, 2023, by Axios, rumors and speculation have become the norm online.
Based on what Axios originally reported, the merger talks are in an “advanced” state. Further rumored details reported by Axios were the merger would be structured as a “merger of equals” and would require regulatory approval, the leagues hoped to combine before the 2024 seasons, and game broadcasts of the combined league were likely to be split between Fox and Disney.
There is no reason to believe that Axios published bad information, therefore it seems reasonable to accept the rumors were based on good sources and have veracity.
However, the speculation that has followed should be treated with complete suspicion.
If you were to believe what is available online, you should take your Vegas Vipers jersey outside and burn it.
Speculation is that the new league will not be a combination of the 16 teams currently in both leagues, but a hybrid of 12 teams, with certain teams like Vegas being dropped. Of course this has led to current players and staff wondering if they will have a job in 2024. There is also speculation around the fact both leagues have teams in Houston. Obviously a merger of the two leagues would only need one team in Houston. Which team would remain? Again, the speculation abounds, leaving fans of both teams wondering if they should bother to think about football in 2024.
The bottom line is the XFL needs to come to grips with rumors and speculation surrounding its future. Why? Much of this speculation may serve to weaken the XFL’s hard-fought reputation. It speaks of a league that is struggling to get by, and why should fans support such a league?
When the XFL was asked on Tuesday about the merger, the XFL responded, “We will not comment on rumors and speculation.”
When the XFL was asked today (Thursday) about the merger, the XFL again responded, “We will not comment on rumors and speculation.”
Maybe the XFL would like to respond to the fact unfettered rumors and speculation were working hard to ruin their league’s reputation?
