XFL files for bankruptcy, cites coronavirus crisis

The XFL filed for bankruptcy Monday, likely spelling the end of the second iteration of the league.

The WWE-backed XFL had canceled the rest of its return season last month because of the coronavirus pandemic. It suspended operations and laid off its employees Friday.

The league said Monday in a news release that it wasn’t insulated “from the harsh economic impacts and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 crisis.”

“This is a heartbreaking time for many, including our passionate fans, players and staff, and we are thankful to them, our television partners, and the many Americans who rallied to the XFL for the love of football,” the league said in its statement.

The XFL had eight franchises this season, including the St. Louis BattleHawks, and played five games out of a planned 10-game schedule. It drew decent TV ratings early on and had deals with ESPN and FOX.

But spring football is a difficult challenge, as the Alliance of American Football found out in 2019, not lasting a full season.

The XFL also played one season in 2001.