XFL signs TV deals with ESPN, Fox, ABC for 2020 launch

The XFL announced Monday it has reached agreements with ESPN, ABC and Fox Sports to broadcast games when the league launches in February 2020.

The news comes 18 years after the XFL played its first and only season in 2001. At that time, games were primarily broadcast on NBC, which entered into a joint venture with Vince McMahon’s WWE.

For the league’s relaunch in 2020, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, Fox, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 2 will telecast XFL games on Saturday and Sunday.{mosads}

“We are thrilled to partner with ESPN and FOX Sports, two innovative media companies with extensive experience in world-class football production that will undoubtedly help us reimagine football,” said XFL founder Vince McMahon said in a statement. “The XFL broadcast schedule provides us with incredible reach and makes it easy for fans to watch our games consistently every weekend.”

The XFL and NBC lost $35 million in 2001 before shutting down.

The league will consist of eight teams in New York; Los Angeles; St. Louis; Seattle; Dallas; Houston; Tampa, Fla., and Washington, D.C.

The 10-game regular season will begin on Feb. 8, 2020, with a 2 p.m. EST game on ABC and will be followed by a 5 p.m. EST game on Fox.

“We look forward to showcasing the XFL on ESPN and ABC, including the kickoff game and championship during the league’s inaugural season,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN executive vice president for programming and scheduling.

“Vince McMahon and Oliver Luck are two of the sports industry’s most creative and experienced leaders, and they have exciting plans for this league,” Magnus continued. “We believe in their vision for the XFL, which will be a great addition to our year-round commitment to football.”

“We welcome the XFL to the FOX Sports Family and are pleased to expand our relationship with Vince McMahon,” added Eric Shanks, Fox Sports CEO and executive producer. “Football is in FOX Sports’ DNA and a key component of our programming strategy. Alongside Oliver Luck and his incredible team, we’re excited for the debut of the XFL on FOX Sports.”

McMahon’s wife, Linda McMahon, served as the chief of the Small Business Administration under President Trump. She stepped down earlier this year to chair the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action.