Reports: XFL Suspends League Operations, Employees Terminated
Apr 10, 2020, 10:44 AM | Updated: Feb 25, 2023, 6:00 pm
A general interior view of CenturyLink Field with the XFL midfield logo after the game between the Seattle Dragons and the Dallas Renegades at CenturyLink Field on February 22, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. The Dallas Renegades topped the Seattle Dragons, 24-12. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The XFL suspended day-to-day league operations and terminated all league employees, according to multiple reports.
XFL chief operating officer Jeffery Pollock announced the news via a call on Friday, April 10, according to reports.
“XFL employees were just informed that the league is suspending operations and all employees have been laid off. Another sport impacted further by the current COVID-19 crisis,” tweeted NFL insider Field Yates.
NEWS: on a call today with COO Jeffery Pollock, XFL employees were just informed that the league is suspending operations and all employees have been laid off. Another sport impacted further by the current COVID-19 crisis.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 10, 2020
XFL reporter Konnor Fulk said that the call “lasted all of 10 minutes.”
The #XFL has suspended its Day to Day operations effective immediately and all team and league employees have been terminated
The statement was read to employees through a conference call by League President Jeffrey Pollack. No questions were taken. Call lasted all of 10 minutes
— Konnor Fulk (@KonnorFulk_XFL) April 10, 2020
NFL reporter Tom Pelissero tweeted that someone used the words “shut down” in regards to the call.
The XFL just held a conference call in which all employees were told the league is suspending operations. Said one: "The word they used was 'shut down'."
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 10, 2020
The football league canceled the remainder of its inaugural season in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic, and the most recent local and state regulations, have left the XFL no choice but to officially cancel the remainder of the 2020 season,” XFL Commissioner and CEO Oliver Luck released in a statement on March 20. “This decision has been made with the health and safety of the entire XFL family as our top priority.”
The new football league began to play in early February and was only able to complete five weeks of its schedule before halting play.
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“While we are disappointed to not complete the 2020 season, our hearts are full of appreciation for your overwhelming support.” Luck continued. “Your passion, your commitment to your favorite XFL team and your love of football made our season a success beyond our wildest dreams. We’re grateful for the incredible response and look forward to playing full seasons for you — and with you — in 2021 and beyond.”
A total of 12 former college football players from the state of Utah were on active 52-man rosters in the eight-team league. Along with the 12 players, former BYU and Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats.
It now appears that the future of the alternate football league is in jeopardy. In 2019, another football league, the American Alliance of Football, folded before the completion of its inaugural season.
