The negative reports about the XFL are far from dying down. After reports of a $60 million loss broke out just days after a first full XFL season, the Dwayne Johnson co-owned league seems to have been plagued by another unfavorable development. After an expert put a question mark over the ESPN-XFL deal, Johnson came to the league’s rescue with a reply.

Is the ESPN-XFL deal fake?

Journalist James Larsen quoted experts Andrew Marchand and John Ourand and tweeted that the reported $20 million deal between ESPN and XFL isn’t true. “Interesting #XFL development: There is no rights deal in place for the @XFL2023 with ESPN & Disney, per @AndrewMarchand,” part of Larsen’s tweet read.

According to a recent Forbes article, ESPN pays the XFL $20 million per year. Meanwhile, just hours after Larsen’s tweet, Johnson posted a reply, calling it “Not true”. The Rock said, “ESPN is a stakeholder in XFL. Long term partners. Big plans for ‘24 season. Back to work.”

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There has, however, been no reaction from ESPN regarding this issue so far. A lack of a clear-cut answer adds to the ongoing debate regarding the XFL. Though a second season- the fourth overall- has been announced by the current owners. But it came with a cost. There were layoffs, including the removal of its CMO Janet Duch and VP/Marketing and Brand Anthony Zucconi recently.

Speaking on his ‘The Marchand and Ourand Sports Media Podcast’, John Ourand said XFL’s loss of $60 million could be more than the reported numbers. “I was told that they laid off dozens of employees and that suggests to me that the losses that were incurred are actually much greater than were anticipated,” he said.

After XFL’s $60 Million Loss, Dwayne Johnson Puts “7 Hours” Towards New “Strategic and Innovative Plans” That Could Lead His “League of Opportunity” to Success

However, even with all the negativity surrounding the league, Johnson and the XFL received a little breather from an unexpected source a few days ago.

Super Bowl winner wants to join the XFL

Just after purchasing the defunct minor American football league from billionaire Vince McMahon in 2020, Johnson termed his new acquisition a ‘league of opportunities’. According to reports, over 20 XFL players have been contracted by several NFL teams. Now a big star from the big league wants to be a part of Johnson’s endeavor.

“Would love to be apart of this! And I’m number 54 again so it just makes sense! @TheRock,” NFL star Bobby Wagner tweeted earlier this week. The 32-year-old linebacker currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he won Super Bowl XLVIII in 2013. Wagner’s NFL contract is supposed to be over by next year.

If he does end up signing with the XFL, it’s going to be a massive coup for the league. Having a Super Bowl champion amidst their ranks will boost the morale of the players and elevate the league’s image. XFL fans would certainly be hoping for it.

In the meantime, what’s your take on the new XFL development regarding the ESPN deal? Let us know in the comments.

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