5 Ways the XFL is better than its first go-round

The NFL season is winding down for most teams, but football won’t end just yet because the XFL, a reimagined-start-up football league, will be making its second debut (more on this below) just six days after the Super Bowl. What is interesting is that last year there was a similar attempted start-up football league known as Alliance of American Football (AAF). Unfortunately, it abruptly folded before concluding a full season; while some may find the AAF’s fate to be damning for the XFL’s future, I will reason in saying that XFL 2.0 has a leg up on the AAF and even its first version (XFL 1.0) in the following five key areas:

1. Pay Structure

Starting Dec. 4th 2019, players will earn a base salary will be $1,040 per week and continue until May 31st, 2020 totaling $27,040. However, there will be performance bonuses: $1,685 per game for active roster and $2,222 for every regular season game won. This means that if a player were to be on active roster for every game and if their team was to sweep 10-0, their total compensation earnable would be $66,112. It is important to note, that nothing has been released regarding extra pay for Playoffs and the Championship game. The original XFL had a championship victory bonus of $1,000,000 awarded to the winning team which was then divided evenly among all the players. It will be interesting to see what McMahon and Luck decide to do regarding the Championship.

Why is the Pay Structure a positive for the league? Some may claim that the base pay structure of $27,040 came as a shock to some and even deterred a couple players from entering the league. My answer is that these numbers were reached to best support sustainability for the league. Likewise, from a business stand point, it is a wise move because it is better to start from a realistic, attainable figure rather than lavishly spend on salaries. Do not misunderstand me, I am all for players being compensated appropriately, but players must understand that the XFL should first be seen as a way to get valuable live reps and game film.

2. Deliberate Timeline

The XFL announced their comeback about two years ago and has been deliberately planning, organizing, and marketing their product ever since. While the AAF only had one year to scramble for structure, the XFL’s longer timeline for development has allowed more time for coach hiring, more time to choose cities for teams, more time to book stadium usage, more time to recruit and try-out players, more time to create social media hype among the fans and, last but not least, more time to design striking uniforms.

3. Training Time

The AAF only had a 3 day Mini Camp. On the other hand, the XFL’s eight teams have their players for two and a half weeks for Mini Camp (Dec. 4-19) & three weeks for Training Camp (Jan. 4-21). Essentially, this enables teams to build important dynamics among players, coaches and other staff members. Lastly, this gives each team a longer period to practice strategy and solidify play formations.

4. TV Schedule

The AAF had a limited amount of network televised games. Much of their season was only available on various secondary networks and live-stream options, and this limited their viewership. The XFL has multiple TV contracts in place (ABC, FOX and ESPN) enabling more coverage and allowing fans to watch every game instead of needing to switch channel during one game. This gives each team face-off a sole focus and thus more attention.

5. Rule Changes

The XFL will be similar to all other forms of American Football with a few curious, yet exciting rule changes. Yes, Vince McMahon was not kidding when he said the XFL will be “reimagined football” so here are a few rules we can expect to see on the field:

The 25 second play clock.
For players this means more preseason conditioning as there will be less time to catch one’s breath in between plays.

For the fans, this means “more ball, less stall” as in keep your eyes on the field or TV and think twice about staying line for those ultimate nachos because you very well could miss an ultimate touch down.

The 1, 2 or 3 point scoring option after a touchdown.
This will replace what we know as “the extra point kick”. Besides adding more excitement, this rule will create a sense of hope for the trailing team as they can make up a lot of ground if they choose to go for the 3 point option. For the leading team, it will be imperative to never let up or become too comfortable with a lead because as I mentioned, one can catch up quickly with this new rule.

The “Overtime Shootout”
If a tie is to occur, there will be an “overtime shootout”, where each team’s offense will line up at their opponent’s 5 yard line and have 5 attempts to score. This will add a real twist to the game as it will add that soccer penalty kick or hockey shootout vibe!

For those into trivia, the first XFL had what they called “The Scramble”, a two man face off in lieu of a coin toss. That being said, due to injuries within the first few seconds of the game, the XFL 2.0 will not be incorporating this rule. Perhaps, at the last minute, they will surprise us with a new rule: “The Sunny Side Up” – just kidding.

Conclusion

In all seriousness, Vince McMahon (Owner) and Oliver Luck (Commissioner) have made it clear that the XFL will be focused on delivering real football and maintaining the integrity of the game that we all love. February 8th, 2020 cannot come soon enough.

Yours truly,

The XFL Chick

In the “old days” when men joined clubs, ones that intentionally excluded women, there is no doubt that some women craved to be part of that inner circle. Women have simply resisted to succumb to the expression “It’s a man’s world”. Women are pushing through barriers, moving past stereotypes and rolling up their sleeves by showing they are capable of being part of the sports world. After all, more women are playing college sports, women are breaking into the refereeing profession, women are appearing in the football coaching realm, and becoming reputable in the analyst role. Why? Women want to be part of the club and prove they are competent in talking football.

So, why is it in the XFL’s best interest to seek out and involve female fans?!

Just think, if all those players on the field got their moms, wives, fiancés, girl friends, sisters and she-friends on board to going to an XFL game… this could lead to more ticket sales, more butts in seats, and more noise to hype up the environment.

Okay, with females being a viable market, how can the XFL draw female fans?

Female consumer behavior is important; including drinks that women tend to lean towards such as white claw, skinny margs, lighter beers is a good start. However, I recommend looking deeper into their intrinsic wants and engaging them through emotion in a meaningful way:

1.       Women want to feel venerated and appreciated all while socializing/ bonding with other like-minded women with gripping stories. Make time during an XFL game where players honor women who have inspiring stories; cancer survivors, served in the military, selfless mothers, etc. Have them walk on the field, and highlight their resilience! It’s a plus that they are there to watch their baby, their boo, their big brother, etc.

2.       Women who are mothers always want what’s best for their child. Have a players meet and greet for moms to take their little ones to. If the kids are excited to attend games, not only do moms save time in the baby-sitter search, but more importantly it can have such a positive impact on young ones who so often look up to pro athletes.

3.      Women also care about safety. If the XFL can make an obvious effort to show how they are working on helmets to reduce concussions or enforcing rules that protect players, women with connections to players on field will feel comforted and encouraged to support their men in their love for the game (on or off the field).

4.      Beyond women’s nurturing qualities, women are multi-tasking, productivity seeking beast who love efficiency. The XFL should emphasize their efforts towards shortening the game, making it more fast paced and action filled, thus being an attractive sporting event while not sucking out too much time from the weekend.

5.      Last but not least –yes, I’ll be the one to write it –women love to capture moments and are lured to “basic”, picturesque scenes. Why not set up backdrops for all those Instagram enthusiasts. Give them a reason to post a fun-conversation-starter picture of them attending an XFL game!

Women want to be involved! Let’s get more chicks in football stadiums!

Yours truly,

The XFL Chick

XFLBoard would like to welcome “XFL Chick,”  a reporter who will be giving us XFL news from a female perspective!