The actor and former WWE star announced on Twitter that the XFL will return Spring 2022.
"It's an uphill battle - but we're hungry, humble and no one will outwork us," he wrote. "A league of culture, passion & purpose."
XFL returns SPRING 2022 🏈
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) October 1, 2020
As owners, we’re proud to champion our XFL players, coaches, cities and fans into an electrifying 2022 season!
It’s an uphill battle - but we’re hungry, humble and no one will outwork us.
A league of culture, passion & purpose. #XFL✊🏾#Spring2022 pic.twitter.com/jY0VWGj33Y
Back in August, a group including Johnson agreed to buy the defunct league for $15 million after it declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy April 13.
In April, the league had no plans to return in 2021, suspending operations and laying off nearly all of its staff. Like many leagues, it canceled its season in March after five games as part of a nationwide shutdown due to coronavirus concerns.
With my trail blazing partner @DanyGarciaCo & Red Bird Capital, we have acquired the XFL.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 3, 2020
With gratitude & passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand.
Excited to create something special for the fans! #XFL #fullcircle pic.twitter.com/LprJ6HjglD
Along with Johnson, his business partner and ex-wife Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners are investors in the deal, which is still subject to bankruptcy court approval.
The XFL has shut down twice before after one season, including the aforementioned time earlier this year.
The first time was in 2001. The league saw a revival in 2019 after owner Vince McMahon invested $200 million.
For The Love of Football
— Dany Garcia (@DanyGarciaCo) August 3, 2020
For The Love of The Athletes
For The Love of The Fans@xfl2020 #Owner @TheRock #GerryCardinale pic.twitter.com/gNTHiJeDp8
The XFL featured eight teams, including the undefeated Houston Roughnecks, the New York Guardians and the Los Angeles Wildcats.
"The acquisition of the XFL with my talented partners, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale, is an investment for me that's rooted deeply in two things - my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans," said Dwayne Johnson. "With pride and gratitude for all that I've built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football."
Johnson played football at the University of Miami from 1990-94.
Breaking: A group including Dwayne Johnson has agreed to purchase the XFL for approximately $15 million, according to a news release issued Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/raFu1QN4ny
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 3, 2020
The video above is from previous reporting.
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