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Report: XFL suspending operations, laying off employees
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The XFL is suspending operations because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported on Friday that XFL Chief Operating Officer Jeffery Pollock said that all employees were recently notified that the league was suspending operations and that all employees were being laid off. It’s the latest sport to be significantly impacted by the current public health crisis.
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
The XFL relaunched its league in February with eight teams participating in the inaugural season. The league reached Week 5 before being forced to shut down. The Houston Roughnecks ended the year with the best record, finishing 5-0.
The DC Defenders and St. Louis BattleHawks were each 3-2.
According to a statement on the XFL’s website, the league is hoping to operating again in the 2021 season.
“Currently, the XFL will not be playing its regular-season games. However, all players will be paid their base pay and benefits for the 2020 regular season. All XFL ticket holders will be issued refunds or credit toward future games. The XFL is committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years.”
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB