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I am wondering how fans feel about Vince McMahon's statement that #XFL2020 would have no cheerleaders? I realize the #AAF doesn't have cheerleaders, but I wonder if they might start cheer squads in the future. Also, the NFL has plenty of cheerleaders, but you barely see them on television, unlike the original XFL.

mnelson wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:39 am I am wondering how fans feel about Vince McMahon's statement that #XFL2020 would have no cheerleaders? I realize the #AAF doesn't have cheerleaders, but I wonder if they might start cheer squads in the future. Also, the NFL has plenty of cheerleaders, but you barely see them on television, unlike the original XFL.

I think it's a nonfactor. Nobody goes to a football game to see cheerleaders, so why have them?

I think dropping the cheerleaders entirely was a really easy, clean way to separate yourself from the worst parts of the old XFL, especially considering today's climate. You don't have to waste any effort of explaining how 2020's cheerleaders would be presented differently than in 2001.

If the league gains its footing, I don't think it will be a big deal to introduce them. But for Year 1, stay laser focused on quality of play, pace of play, selling tickets, and producing an excellent broadcast. Everything else is a distraction.

I agree, most people go to a football game to see football; more importantly to see their team win. But, I've been to football games where the cheerleaders attracted a lot of attention... mostly from male spectators. How often does this happen? All the time.

Tank55 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:49 am If the league gains its footing, I don't think it will be a big deal to introduce them. But for Year 1, stay laser focused on quality of play, pace of play, selling tickets, and producing an excellent broadcast. Everything else is a distraction.

I think you nailed it here.

I hope there are cheerleaders eventually. I think plenty of dudes like to lay eyes on a cheerleader or two.

Vince has a good idea to avoid having cheerleaders right away.

mnelson wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:52 am I agree, most people go to a football game to see football; more importantly to see their team win. But, I've been to football games where the cheerleaders attracted a lot of attention... mostly from male spectators. How often does this happen? All the time.

This again lends itself to The XFL perception angle. Most pro teams have cheerleaders. It’s kind of an under the radar attraction of going to the games, but The XFL has to tread lightly with this aspect because of the original league’s reputation.

The second that XFL teams introduce cheerleaders. It’s going to be painted in a negative light by the naysayers because of how cheerleaders were featured in the leagues first go around.

I think it’s something that the league can introduce at some point but they may do it with as little hype or promotion. Maybe a year 2 kind of thing.

If the XFL makes it to a year 5, and that's a big if, I think the teams can add cheerleaders and mascots.

The XFL needs cheerleaders like the CFL needs a wider playing field!