2023 XFL season

The 2020 XFL season was cut short following five weeks of play in March 2020, as a result of immediate and prolonged stay-at-home orders and prohibitions on large gatherings imposed in an effort to stop the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/xfl/news/xfl-2020-coronavirus-forces-start-up-league-to-suspend-play-effective-immediately/|title=XFL 2020: Coronavirus forces start-up league to suspend play, but players can sign with NFL teams before FA|website=CBSSports.com|language=en|access-date=March 13, 2020|author=Kercheval, Ben|date=March 12, 2020|archive-date=March 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327190926/https://www.cbssports.com/xfl/news/xfl-2020-coronavirus-forces-start-up-league-to-suspend-play-effective-immediately/|url-status=live}} On April 13, 2020, XFL parent company Alpha Entertainment declared bankruptcy in response to the measures, most of which would not be fully lifted until vaccines were made available and widespread in early 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2020/04/13/xfl-bankruptcy-league-fold-millions-lay-offs/|title=XFL Files for Bankruptcy, Lost '10s of Millions' Due to COVID-19|date=April 13, 2020 |access-date=February 24, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224215950/https://www.tmz.com/2020/04/13/xfl-bankruptcy-league-fold-millions-lay-offs/|url-status=live}} The assets of the league were sold to Johnson, Garcia, and Cardinale on August 3, 2020.{{cite news|url=https://fox2now.com/sports/battlehawks/xfl-purchased-by-a-group-including-dwayne-the-rock-johnson/|title=XFL purchased by a group including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson|first=Joe|last=Millitzer|publisher=Fox 2 Now|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=October 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025002051/https://fox2now.com/sports/battlehawks/xfl-purchased-by-a-group-including-dwayne-the-rock-johnson/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29588303/dwayne-rock-johnson-investor-group-agree-buy-xfl-15m|title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, investor group agree to buy XFL for $15M|first=Kevin|last=Seifert|website=ESPN|date=August 3, 2020|access-date=August 3, 2020|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212132/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29588303/dwayne-rock-johnson-investor-group-agree-buy-xfl-15m|url-status=live}}

After the purchase the new ownership briefly considered a single-market season for 2021, but the timing of the sale process made it difficult to accomplish.{{Cite web|date=August 4, 2020|title=The XFL, The Rock, Dany Garcia and $15 million: What we know about the league's sale, 2021 season|url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29593665/the-xfl-rock-dany-garcia-15-million-know-league-sale-2021-season|website=ESPN|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155541/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29593665/the-xfl-rock-dany-garcia-15-million-know-league-sale-2021-season|url-status=live}} During the course of the 2021 offseason, the XFL's new ownership group began discussions with the Canadian Football League regarding a potential partnership; these discussions collapsed in July, leading the league to cancel its planned 2022 season.{{cite news |last1=Seifert |first1=Kevin |title=XFL planning 2023 return after talks on partnership with CFL tabled |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31776392/xfl-planning-2023-return-talks-partnership-cfl-tabled |access-date=September 27, 2021 |work=ESPN |date=July 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707163815/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31776392/xfl-planning-2023-return-talks-partnership-cfl-tabled |archive-date=July 7, 2021 |language=en-US |quote=The XFL announced on Wednesday that it is planning to relaunch in 2023 after talks with the Canadian Football League about collaboration between the two leagues were tabled.}}

As McMahon fired commissioner Oliver Luck shortly before the bankruptcy;{{cite web|url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/05/13/vince-mcmahon-lists-reasons-for-oliver-lucks-firing-from-xfl-in-court-filing/|title=Vince McMahon lists reasons for Oliver Luck's firing from XFL in court filing|first=Charean|last=Williams|work=Profootballtalk.com|date=May 13, 2020|access-date=May 13, 2020|archive-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518165049/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/05/13/vince-mcmahon-lists-reasons-for-oliver-lucks-firing-from-xfl-in-court-filing/|url-status=live}} the league was left in the stewardship of Jeffrey Pollack during the transition to new ownership until Pollack resigned and was succeeded by former Buffalo Bills president Russ Brandon in November 2021.{{cite web|last1=Seifert|first1=Kevin|title=XFL hires former Buffalo Bills CEO Russ Brandon as league president|url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/32582896/xfl-hires-former-buffalo-bills-ceo-russ-brandon-league-president|website=espn.com|date=November 8, 2021|publisher=ESPN|accessdate=November 8, 2021|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108143818/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/32582896/xfl-hires-former-buffalo-bills-ceo-russ-brandon-league-president|url-status=live}}

On March 11, 2022, multiple news reports indicated that the XFL had hired Reggie Barlow away from the Virginia State Trojans to serve as a head coach. The reports indicated Barlow would coach a team in San Antonio, Texas; San Antonio was not among the eight cities that hosted an XFL team in 2020{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Michael |date=March 11, 2022 |title=Virginia State football coach Reggie Barlow leaving to coach in the XFL |url=https://richmond.com/sports/college/virginia-state-football-coach-reggie-barlow-leaving-to-coach-in-the-xfl/article_3deaa259-502e-5ce0-a8e5-e78d6c77f5cc.html |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Richmond Times-Dispatch |language=en |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070624/https://richmond.com/sports/college/virginia-state-football-coach-reggie-barlow-leaving-to-coach-in-the-xfl/article_3deaa259-502e-5ce0-a8e5-e78d6c77f5cc.html |url-status=live }} but had begun discussions with the XFL during the 2020 season{{cite web|url=https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/sources-xfl-called-about-relocating-team-to-san-antonio-days-before-suspending-operations|title=SOURCES: XFL called about relocating team to San Antonio days before suspending operations|first=Chuck|last=Miketniac|work=WOAI-TV|date=April 13, 2020|access-date=April 18, 2020|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901173543/https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/sources-xfl-called-about-relocating-team-to-san-antonio-days-before-suspending-operations|url-status=live}} and had hosted the San Antonio Commanders, the top-attended team in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019. Virginia State confirmed Barlow had taken a job with the XFL,{{Cite web |title=Reggie Barlow Accepts Head Coach Position With XFL |url=https://govsutrojans.com/news/2022/3/10/reggie-barlow-accepts-head-coach-position-with-xfl.aspx |access-date=March 21, 2022 |website=Virginia State University Athletics|date=March 10, 2022 |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313010826/https://govsutrojans.com/news/2022/3/10/reggie-barlow-accepts-head-coach-position-with-xfl.aspx |url-status=live }} but no confirmation from any party had verified the San Antonio team's existence.

On April 6, 2022, multiple news reports indicated that the XFL had hired their second head coach in former NFL Defensive Back Terrell Buckley. The reports indicated Buckley would coach a team in Orlando, Florida; Orlando was not among the eight cities that hosted an XFL team in 2020 but had begun discussions with the XFL about moving the Tampa Bay Vipers there during the 2020 season and had hosted the Orlando Apollos, the second top-attended team in the Alliance of American Football in 2019 and the Orlando Rage, one of the most successful teams in the original XFL in 2001.

On April 6, 2022, A report came out that sources close to the league have mentioned that XFL would be keeping five teams in their original 2020 locations (DC Defenders, St. Louis BattleHawks, Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks and Seattle Dragons), following through with the Vipers proposed move to Orlando, and adding two new teams in San Antonio and Las Vegas.{{cite tweet |last=Mitchell |first=Mike |user=ByMikeMitchell |number=1512089939143389191 |date=April 7, 2022 |title=#ICYMI My article from yesterday. Although not yet official or confirmed by @XFL2023 The three new #XFL cities that have been mentioned to me recently by sources close to the league are San Antonio, Orlando and Las Vegas. Goodbye Tampa, LA and NY. https://t.co/QvI8k6igb8 |language=en |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513125233/https://twitter.com/bymikemitchell/status/1512089939143389191 |archive-date=May 13, 2022 |url-status=live}} The teams in San Antonio and Las Vegas would replace the New York Guardians and the Los Angeles Wildcats, respectively.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Mike |title=XFL 2023: The Pitfalls Of Abandoning What Made The 2020 League Great |date=April 6, 2022 |url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-2023-the-pitfalls-of-abandoning-what-made-the-2020-version-great/ |access-date=April 7, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407005333/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-2023-the-pitfalls-of-abandoning-what-made-the-2020-version-great/ |url-status=live }}

On May 18, 2022, two separate reports indicated that The Dome at America's Center had left five open dates anticipating the BattleHawks' return,{{Cite web |date=May 17, 2022 |title=Dome at America's Center sets aside dates for possible BattleHawks return |url=https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/football/battlehawks/xfl-st-louis-battlehawks-the-dome/63-b14ea457-3f0b-4b49-bf6f-3d53f85f4495 |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=ksdk.com |language=en-US |author1=Miller, Corey |author2=Cusumano, Frank |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032221/https://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/football/battlehawks/xfl-st-louis-battlehawks-the-dome/63-b14ea457-3f0b-4b49-bf6f-3d53f85f4495 |url-status=live }} and that TDECU Stadium would host XFL games in 2023.{{cite tweet |last=Berman |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Berman |user=MarkBermanFox26 |number=1526916578318721027 |date=May 18, 2022 |title=Source: The University of Houston (@UHouston) and TDECU Stadium will host games in the XFL when the league begins play in 2023. @XFL2023 @UHCougars |language=en |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912001214/https://twitter.com/MarkBermanFox26/status/1526916578318721027 |archive-date=September 12, 2022 |url-status=live}}

On May 22, 2022, Randy Karraker of the St. Louis-based radio station 101 ESPN reports that the XFL was to formally announce the BattleHawks' return on June 1 (no such announcement materialized).{{Cite web |date=May 22, 2022 |title=St. Louis BattleHawks Return Announcement Rumored to be June 1st |url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/st-louis-battlehawks-return-announcement-rumored-to-be-june-1st/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=XFL Newsroom |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522152418/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/st-louis-battlehawks-return-announcement-rumored-to-be-june-1st/ |url-status=live }} Kevin Seifert announced that cities and stadiums, which would largely be in the same scale of college, NFL and Major League Soccer venues the league had used in 2020, would be announced by the end of July, and implied that teams that did not have trademark disputes and were returning from their home cities would retain their 2020 brands.{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Everything we know about the XFL as its player showcases ramp up |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/34239760/everything-know-xfl-player-showcases-ramp-up |access-date=July 16, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716071008/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/34239760/everything-know-xfl-player-showcases-ramp-up |url-status=live }}

Directors of player personnel and offensive and defensive coordinators were announced June 9, 2022. Among the announcements was the confirmation of June Jones joining Haslett's staff and former BattleHawks head coach Jonathan Hayes joining Stoops's staff in Dallas.{{Cite web |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=June 9, 2022 |title=Longtime NFL defensive coordinator Gregg Williams heads XFL's first batch of assistant coach hires |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/34063138/long-nfl-defensive-coordinator-gregg-williams-heads-xfl-first-batch-assistant-coach-hires |access-date=June 21, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621015706/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/34063138/long-nfl-defensive-coordinator-gregg-williams-heads-xfl-first-batch-assistant-coach-hires |url-status=live }}

On July 24, 2022, Johnson and Garcia held an XFL Townhall at Texas Live! where they confirmed all 2020 XFL teams except the New York Guardians, Los Angeles Wildcats and Tampa Bay Vipers would return. New York, Los Angeles, and Tampa would be replaced by teams in San Antonio, Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida.{{Cite magazine |last=Williams |first=Madison |title=Report: XFL Assigns Coaches to Franchises for 2023 Season |url=https://www.si.com/xfl/2022/06/04/xfl-assigns-coaches-franches-2023-season-report-bob-stoops-wade-phillips-hines-ward |access-date=June 8, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608202833/https://www.si.com/xfl/2022/06/04/xfl-assigns-coaches-franches-2023-season-report-bob-stoops-wade-phillips-hines-ward |url-status=live }} Team 9, the non-playing unified scout team/practice squad, will also not return, with the league taking a more open approach with signing free agents midseason than it did in 2020.{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Whaley, Giglio detail XFL player pay and other contract details in a call with prospective agents and players |url=https://xflboard.com/news/whaley-giglio-detail-xfl-player-pay-and-other-contract-details-in-call-with-prospective-agents-and-players/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=XFL News and Discussion |language=en-US |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726032121/https://xflboard.com/news/whaley-giglio-detail-xfl-player-pay-and-other-contract-details-in-call-with-prospective-agents-and-players/ |url-status=live }} The league also announced seven of the eight venues, while the Las Vegas stadium would be announced on later date.{{Cite web|title=In latest reboot, XFL places teams in three new cities for 2023 – including Las Vegas|website=USA Today|author=Schad, Tom|date=July 24, 2022|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/xfl/2022/07/25/xfl-team-cities-2023-season/10125768002/|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174140/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/xfl/2022/07/25/xfl-team-cities-2023-season/10125768002/|url-status=live}} On January 5, 2023 Cashman Field was announced as the Vipers home venue.{{Cite web|title=Vegas Vipers of XFL to play home games at Cashman Field|date=January 5, 2023|url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/vegas-vipers-of-xfl-to-play-home-games-at-cashman-field-schedule-released-southern-nevada-sports-pro-football|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110212105/https://news3lv.com/news/local/vegas-vipers-of-xfl-to-play-home-games-at-cashman-field-schedule-released-southern-nevada-sports-pro-football|url-status=live|author=Seeman, Matthew}}

On September 23, 2022, the XFL online store leaked placeholders for the new team names, prompting speculation that the Renegades, Dragons, BattleHawks, Defenders, and Roughnecks would return to their home cities, that the Vipers brand would be transferred to Las Vegas (in homage to the Las Vegas Valley being the northwestern limit of the Western diamondback rattlesnake's natural habitat), and that the Guardians brand would be placed in Orlando. San Antonio would be branded as the Brahmas.{{cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-teams-names-leaked-online-some-old-some-new-some-surprising-changes/|title=XFL Teams Names Leaked Online, Some Old, Some New, Some Surprising Changes|access-date=September 23, 2022|date=September 23, 2022|author=Perry, Mark|website=xflnewshub.com|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923132402/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-teams-names-leaked-online-some-old-some-new-some-surprising-changes/|url-status=live}} Team identities were scheduled to be released October 31; teaser segments released the day before showed that the Dragons' and BattleHawks' new logos were exact matches to their old logos, and that color schemes matched the Renegades', Guardians', Roughnecks' and Defenders' brandings from 2020, with slight design alterations.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Anthony |title=Freeze Frame: Which XFL Team Is Which? |url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/freeze-frame-which-xfl-team-is-which/ |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=xflnewshub.com |language=en-us |archive-date=October 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030153629/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/freeze-frame-which-xfl-team-is-which/ |url-status=live|date=October 30, 2022}}

The league's schedule was released on January 5, 2023. With the schedule release, the league realigned to a north–south divisional alignment to allow all three Texas teams to be division rivals.

{{notelist}}

{{small|{{Dagger}}Full stadium capacity. The large stadiums with multiple decks only open the lower bowl for XFL games, similar to the former AAF games and MLS matches played in large stadiums. The XFL has a target stadium size of 30,000 seats so that in the event of playoff games, the upper decks can be opened to increase capacity.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Bob |date=March 1, 2020 |title=Oliver Luck: So far, so good in XFL – but LA and New York crowds need to improve |url=https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/oliver-luck-so-far-so-good-in-xfl-but-la-and-new-york-crowds-need-to-improve/ |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=SportBusiness.com}}}}

{{Location map+ |United States |width=1000 |float=center |caption=Locations of teams for the 2023 XFL season, (South Division - red; North Division - blue;)

|places=

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=32.751389 |long=-97.082778 |mark=red pog.svg |label=Arlington |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=29.721944 |long=-95.349167 |mark=red pog.svg |label=Houston |position=right}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=36.090 |long=-115.184 |mark=blue pog.svg |label=Las Vegas |position=top}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=29.4241 |long=-98.4936 |mark=red pog.svg |label=San Antonio |position=top}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=38.632778 |long=-90.188611 |mark=blue pog.svg |label=St. Louis |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=47.5952 |long=-122.3316 |mark=blue pog.svg |label=Seattle |position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=28.6091 |long=-81.1924 |mark=red pog.svg |label=Orlando |position=top}}

{{Location map~ |United States |lat=38.868333 |long=-77.012222 |mark=blue pog.svg |label=DC |position=bottom}}

}}

For the 2023 season, each XFL team started training camp with up to 80-men rosters (66 originally{{Cite web|date=December 25, 2022|title=Across The XFL: Supplemental Draft, Training Camp Details, Vegas Stadium Situation|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/across-the-xfl-supplemental-draft-training-camp-details-vegas-stadium-situation/|website=xflnewsroom.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212001/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/across-the-xfl-supplemental-draft-training-camp-details-vegas-stadium-situation/|url-status=live}}), but had to trim it down to 70 by January 21, 2023,{{Cite web|date=January 22, 2023|title=XFL Cuts Rosters to 70 Players — Complete Breakdown by Team|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-cuts-rosters-to-70-players-complete-breakdown-by-team/|website=xflnewsroom.com|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124175152/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-cuts-rosters-to-70-players-complete-breakdown-by-team/|url-status=live}} down to 60 two weeks later{{Cite web|date=January 22, 2023|title=The OSC Interview: San Antonio Brahmas Director of Team Operations Jose Jefferson|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/the-osc-interview-san-antonio-brahmas-director-of-team-operations-jose-jefferson/n-5920265|website=oursportscentral.com|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202190130/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/the-osc-interview-san-antonio-brahmas-director-of-team-operations-jose-jefferson/n-5920265|url-status=live}} and then to 50 by February 10. Regular season rosters were supposed to stand at 50 (compared to 52 at the 2020 season), while 45 of those 50 are active on any given game day.{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2023|title=XFL, USFL, or CFL? What's the Difference|url=https://www.betus.com.pa/nfl/news/xfl-usfl-or-cfl-whats-the-difference-02-16-2023/|website=betus.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217165731/https://www.betus.com.pa/nfl/news/xfl-usfl-or-cfl-whats-the-difference-02-16-2023/|url-status=live}} Just before the season started the league decided to expand the rosters from 50 to 51 (46 active on game day),{{cite tweet|number=1622636792896794624|user=XFL_PR|author=XFL Communications Department|title=All XFL rosters must be at 51 players by Feb. 10 and will remain at 51 throughout the regular season and playoffs. Rosters will be updated on http://XFL.com as quickly as possible following the final cuts.}} so all teams will be able to dress three quarterbacks on their active roster any given week.{{cite tweet|number=1623782514048528384|user=XFL_PR|author=XFL Communications Department|title=The XFL today announced that the league's eight teams have finalized their 51-man rosters for the 2023 season. All league rosters can be found by team here: https://bit.ly/3jLYHHX}} 14 players on the opening day rosters were on NFL practice squads during the 2022 season,{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2023|title=XFL ahead of 2020 pace in signing NFL practice squad players|url=https://xflboard.com/news/xfl-ahead-of-2020-pace-in-signing-nfl-practice-squad-players/|website=xflboard.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217165732/https://xflboard.com/news/xfl-ahead-of-2020-pace-in-signing-nfl-practice-squad-players/|url-status=live}} while four 2023 CFL free agents chose to sign with XFL teams.{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2023|title=CFL provides a player pipeline to the XFL|url=https://xflboard.com/news/cfl-provides-a-player-pipeline-to-the-xfl/|website=xflboard.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217165730/https://xflboard.com/news/cfl-provides-a-player-pipeline-to-the-xfl/|url-status=live}}

While in 2020 the league's primary target for players was veteran backups (such as the kind Luck developed in his time in NFL Europe, citing Kurt Warner, Brad Johnson and Jake Delhomme as examples) who may not be getting the repetitions needed to develop properly on NFL scout teams and practice squads.{{Cite magazine |last=Greene |first=Dan |date=May 6, 2019 |title=The XFL: A Second-Chance League and Its Not-My-First-Rodeo Commish |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/05/01/new-xfl-wwe-football-league-2020-oliver-luck-commissioner |access-date=May 7, 2019 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507052927/https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/05/01/new-xfl-wwe-football-league-2020-oliver-luck-commissioner |url-status=live }} Due to budget concerns and an unwillingness to antagonize the NFL, it does not get into bidding wars for marquee players, but didn't intend to be is a "developmental" league to the NFL, rather a "'standalone' and 'complement' league".{{Cite web |title=XFL statement |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2018/12/14/xfl-makes-statement-with-markets-venues-ahead-of.amp.html |access-date=February 11, 2020 |publisher=New York Business Journal |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024211200/https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2018/12/14/xfl-makes-statement-with-markets-venues-ahead-of.amp.html |url-status=live }} In contrast, the 2023 season of the XFL saw the league take a much lower emphasis on professional experience when selecting its quarterbacks, as it noted that the veterans "washed out early" compared to the younger, less experienced talent and that its 2020 breakout star—P. J. Walker—was better known at the time for bouncing on and off the Indianapolis Colts practice squad before joining the XFL and ultimately landing the starting position with the Carolina Panthers.{{Cite web |date=November 14, 2022 |title=What's next for the XFL 2023? QBs to watch in the draft pool |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35002634/next-xfl-2023-qbs-watch-draft-pool-roster-sizes-new-teams |access-date=November 15, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115010208/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35002634/next-xfl-2023-qbs-watch-draft-pool-roster-sizes-new-teams |url-status=live }} The new ownership also embraced more of a "developmental" mentality when they signed a collaboration agreement with the NFL{{Cite web |date=February 21, 2022 |title=XFL to be 'petri dish' for football innovation, prospect development as part of partnership agreement with NFL |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33341262/xfl-petri-dish-football-innovation-prospect-development-part-partnership-agreement-nfl |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220192748/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33341262/xfl-petri-dish-football-innovation-prospect-development-part-partnership-agreement-nfl |url-status=live }} and introduced the "54th man" slogan, which refer to the NFL 53-men roster limit.{{Cite web|title=Player 54 theme continues as XFL owners promote "League of Opportunity"|url=https://xflboard.com/news/player-54-theme-continues-as-xfl-owners-promote-league-of-opportunity/|website=XFL Board|date=July 21, 2022|language=en-US|access-date=February 20, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220192748/https://xflboard.com/news/player-54-theme-continues-as-xfl-owners-promote-league-of-opportunity/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=XFL In Their Own Words: 11 reasons to be excited for the season|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-in-their-own-words-11-reasons-to-be-excited-for-the-season|website=XFL|date=February 17, 2022|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2023|archive-date=February 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221170609/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-in-their-own-words-11-reasons-to-be-excited-for-the-season|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Once again, the XFL and USFL are back. And once again, we ask … why?|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/once-again-the-xfl-and-usfl-are-back-and-once-again-we-ask--why-221500034.html|website=yahoo!sports|date=February 20, 2023|language=en-US|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212016/https://sports.yahoo.com/once-again-the-xfl-and-usfl-are-back-and-once-again-we-ask--why-221500034.html|url-status=live}}

During the season, the XFL held centralized workouts for free agents and other athletes every Tuesday.{{Cite web|title=XFL To Hold Weekly Workouts For Free Agents & Athletes|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-to-hold-weekly-workouts-for-free-agents-athletes/|website=XFL Newsroom|date=January 12, 2023|language=en-US|access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126205537/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-to-hold-weekly-workouts-for-free-agents-athletes/|url-status=live}}

{{see also|2023 XFL Draft}}

The XFL 2023 draft took place at the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada,{{Cite web|title=XFL Draft & QB Designation Dates Revealed For November|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-draft-qb-designation-dates-revealed-for-november/|website=XFL Newsroom|date=October 31, 2022|language=en-US|access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126210035/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-draft-qb-designation-dates-revealed-for-november/|url-status=live}} while the player pool consisted of 1,700 eligible players, after XFL personnel have evaluated nearly 6,000 players in seven XFL showcases,{{Cite web|title=XFL Showcases; Summer Recap|website=YouTube|date=August 30, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPlf3OOSpTM|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174140/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPlf3OOSpTM|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=XFL To Host Player Showcase Series In Six Cities Across The United States|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-to-host-player-showcase-series-in-six-cities-across-the-united-states|access-date=2022-05-05 |website=XFL}}{{Cite web|title=XFL & ANC To Host Supplemental Player Showcase October 22nd|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-anc-to-host-supplemental-player-showcase-october-22nd/ |website=XFL News Hub|date=September 2022 }} NFL training camps and tryouts.{{Cite web|title=XFL Draft Week To Be Held November 15–17 In Las Vegas|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-draft-week-to-be-held-november-15-17-in-las-vegas/|website=XFL Newsroom|date=November 10, 2022|language=en-US|access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126210032/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-draft-week-to-be-held-november-15-17-in-las-vegas/|url-status=live}} Of those, 528 players advanced to the preseason rosters.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-14 |title=What's next for the XFL? What you need to know about the QBs and this week's draft |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35002634/next-xfl-2023-qbs-watch-draft-pool-roster-sizes-new-teams |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216144323/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35002634/next-xfl-2023-qbs-watch-draft-pool-roster-sizes-new-teams |url-status=live }}

The 2023 XFL Draft followed the same basic layout as the 2020 XFL Draft: starting quarterbacks were allocated in a separate process and revealed November 15, while the remaining positions were separated by position.{{cite tweet|user=the_markcast|title=***Just a reminder! We will be going LIVE and reacting to the @XFL2023's 11/15 QB selection show AND 11/16 day 1 of the #XFL draft. ✅⤵️ http://themarkcast.com/watch to subscribe, will post links/guests soon! Tuesday, 11/15, 11 am PST + Wednesday, 11:16, 8:30 am PST #XFL #XFL2023|number=1590802502991380481|date=November 10, 2022 |access-date=November 10, 2022|author=The Markcast®}} It followed a "snake" format, with each position phase following a random order set prior to the draft, and that order reversing between odd and even rounds of the phase.{{Cite web|title=SELECTION ORDER FOR XFL DRAFT REVEALED|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/selection-order-for-xfl-draft-revealed|access-date=2022-11-15|publisher=XFL|date=November 14, 2022|archive-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127001854/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/selection-order-for-xfl-draft-revealed|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Rachuk |first=Stephan |date=2022-11-14 |title=Selection Order for the 2023 XFL Draft Revealed |url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/selection-order-for-the-2023-xfl-draft-revealed/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=XFL Newsroom |language=en-US |archive-date=December 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207075220/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/selection-order-for-the-2023-xfl-draft-revealed/ |url-status=live }}

In 2023, the XFL uses a standard form contract paying $5,000 per week, $800 of which is guaranteed. A $1,000 victory bonus is paid to the players on each game's winning team, including inactive players.{{cite web|url=https://succeedinfootball.com/2022/07/29/a-look-at-the-xfls-2023-salary-and-compensation/|title=A Look at the XFL's 2023 Salary and Compensation|website=succeedinfootball.com|date=July 29, 2022 |language=en|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307175621/https://succeedinfootball.com/2022/07/29/a-look-at-the-xfls-2023-salary-and-compensation/|url-status=live}} Starting quarterbacks will again be eligible for a higher salary.{{Cite web|date=February 12, 2023|title=Pro Football Players Reaping The Benefits Of The XFL And USFL|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/pro-football-players-reaping-the-benefits-of-the-xfl-and-usfl/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217150951/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/pro-football-players-reaping-the-benefits-of-the-xfl-and-usfl/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=XFL Player Contracts, Salaries, Team Salary Caps|url=https://www.spotrac.com/xfl/|website=spotrac.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212001/https://www.spotrac.com/xfl/|url-status=live}} The base annual salary for an XFL player was $59,000, plus room and board in the league's hub at Arlington, Texas, throughout the season valued at approximately $20,000.{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=July 26, 2022 |title=Whaley, Giglio detail XFL player pay and other contract details in call with prospective agents and players |url=https://xflboard.com/news/whaley-giglio-detail-xfl-player-pay-and-other-contract-details-in-call-with-prospective-agents-and-players/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=XFL News and Discussion |language=en-US |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726032121/https://xflboard.com/news/whaley-giglio-detail-xfl-player-pay-and-other-contract-details-in-call-with-prospective-agents-and-players/ |url-status=live }}

During training camp there was a mandatory breakfast, lunch and dinner, while the league was also supplied "grab and go" snack after dinner. During regular season the XFL provided two meals and "grab and go" snack. The league did not assist with any off-site living cost.{{cite tweet |last=Lathrop |first=Michael |user=XFLMike |number=1611595569637605378 |date=January 7, 2023 |title=Some #XFL2023 Training Camp insight… https://t.co/BHdT7G7dy1 |language=en |access-date=January 14, 2023}} Injured players got paid (in contrast to the 2022 USFL season).{{cite tweet |last=Mitchell |first=Mike |user=ByMikeMitchell |number=1611887641758420994 |date=January 8, 2023 |title=@XFLMike According to sources close to the XFL. Injured players WILL be paid. That document wasn't fully distributed because the IR sentence was corrected by the league office. So whoever the source is, got a hold of the original document before it was revised and distributed it to players |language=en |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108021237/https://twitter.com/ByMikeMitchell/status/1611887641758420994 |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |url-status=live}}

On March 10, 2023, XFL players filed a petition (through the United Steelworkers) for a representation election with Region 16 of the National Labor Relations Board.{{Cite web|title=XFL Players Seek NLRB Election to Join United Steelworkers|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-players-seek-nlrb-election-to-join-united-steelworkers/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=March 10, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=March 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310161929/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-players-seek-nlrb-election-to-join-united-steelworkers/|url-status=live}} On April 19, the XFL players decided against joining the union by a vote of 124 to 73.{{Cite web|title=XFL Players Reject Joining United Steelworkers Union|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-players-reject-joining-united-steelworkers-union/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=April 19, 2023 |language=en-US}}

{{small|Transactions{{Cite web|title=XFL Transactions|url=https://xflboard.com/xfl-transactions/|website=XFLboard.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212001/https://xflboard.com/xfl-transactions/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=XFL Transactions - Last 4 Weeks|url=https://www.footballdb.com/xfl/transactions.html?period=4w|website=The Football Database|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032225/https://www.footballdb.com/xfl/transactions.html?period=4w|url-status=live}}}}

• On January 1, quarterback Bryan Scott was assigned to the Las Vegas Vipers,{{Cite web|title=Quarterback Bryan Scott assigned to XFL Las Vegas Vipers|url=https://xflboard.com/news/quarterback-bryan-scott-assigned-to-xfl-las-vegas-vipers/|website=XFLboard.com|date=January 2023 |access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308153515/https://xflboard.com/news/quarterback-bryan-scott-assigned-to-xfl-las-vegas-vipers/|url-status=live}} but was released a month later when the Vipers signed Brett Hundley.{{Cite web|title=XFL Vegas Vipers Sign QB Brett Hundley, Release Bryan Scott|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-vegas-vipers-sign-qb-brett-hundley-release-bryan-scott/|website=xflnewsroom.com|date=January 30, 2023 |access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131004209/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-vegas-vipers-sign-qb-brett-hundley-release-bryan-scott/|url-status=live}}
• On January 24, all teams finalized their mandatory 70-man rosters cut down.{{Cite web|title=The XFL at 70: Analyzing each team's cut-down to 70-man training camp rosters|url=https://xflboard.com/news/the-xfl-at-70-analyzing-each-teams-cut-down-to-70-man-training-camp-rosters/|website=XFLboard.com|date=January 25, 2023 |access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212001/https://xflboard.com/news/the-xfl-at-70-analyzing-each-teams-cut-down-to-70-man-training-camp-rosters/|url-status=live}}
• On February 6, the St. Louis Battlehawks released quarterback Ryan Willis.{{Cite web|title=St. Louis Battlehawks Release Assigned QB Ryan Willis|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/st-louis-battlehawks-release-assigned-qb-ryan-willis/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=February 7, 2023 |access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308153517/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/st-louis-battlehawks-release-assigned-qb-ryan-willis/|url-status=live}}
• On February 9, seven of the eight teams rosters were finalized,{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=D.C. Defenders Set 51-Player Roster For The 2023 XFL Season, Breakdown/Analysis|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-set-51-player-roster-for-the-2023-xfl-season-breakdown-analysis/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021256/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-set-51-player-roster-for-the-2023-xfl-season-breakdown-analysis/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Seattle Sea Dragons Finalize 51-Man Roster|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/seattle-sea-dragons-finalize-51-man-roster/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021255/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/seattle-sea-dragons-finalize-51-man-roster/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Orlando Guardians Make Three Cuts, Roster Set At 51 For 2023 XFL Season|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/orlando-guardians-make-three-cuts-roster-set-at-51-for-2023-xfl-season/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021254/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/orlando-guardians-make-three-cuts-roster-set-at-51-for-2023-xfl-season/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Las Vegas Vipers Cut 19 To Get Down To Final 51|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/las-vegas-vipers-cut-19-to-get-down-to-final-51/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210174031/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/las-vegas-vipers-cut-19-to-get-down-to-final-51/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=San Antonio Brahmas Finalize 51-Man Roster|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/san-antonio-brahmas-finalize-51-man-roster/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210174031/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/san-antonio-brahmas-finalize-51-man-roster/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Arlington Renegades 51-Man Roster Set For the 2023 XFL Season|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/arlington-renegades-51-man-roster-set-for-the-2023-xfl-season/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210174035/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/arlington-renegades-51-man-roster-set-for-the-2023-xfl-season/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Houston Roughnecks Finalize 51-Man Roster, Make Trade Before Deadline|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/houston-roughnecks-finalize-51-man-roster-make-trade-before-deadline/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 11, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211190901/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/houston-roughnecks-finalize-51-man-roster-make-trade-before-deadline/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=Battlehawks Final Roster Set for 2023 XFL Season|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/battlehawks-final-roster-set-for-2023-xfl-season/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210021253/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/battlehawks-final-roster-set-for-2023-xfl-season/|url-status=live}} while the Battlehawks finalized theirs three days later when they signed a third quarterback, Manny Wilkins.{{Cite web|date=February 12, 2023|title=Battlehawks Add Former Arizona State QB Manny Wilkins, Bringing Roster to 51|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/battlehawks-add-former-arizona-state-qb-manny-wilkins-bringing-roster-to-51/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212184907/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/battlehawks-add-former-arizona-state-qb-manny-wilkins-bringing-roster-to-51/|url-status=live}}
• After week 2, the Guardians cut quarterback Quinten Dormady who was allegedly involved with giving the team's playbook to Brahmas player.{{cite web|title=What We Know About The Rumor Around The Orlando Guardians|date=March 4, 2023 |url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/what-we-know-about-the-rumor-around-the-orlando-guardians/|publisher=xflnewshub.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307200205/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/what-we-know-about-the-rumor-around-the-orlando-guardians/|url-status=live}} The XFL reinstated him one day later.{{cite web|title=XFL reinstates Guardians quarterback Quinten Dormady day after release for allegedly sharing team plays|date=March 3, 2023 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/xfl-reinstates-guardians-quarterback-quinten-dormady-day-after-release-allegedly-sharing-team-plays|publisher=foxnews.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307200559/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/xfl-reinstates-guardians-quarterback-quinten-dormady-day-after-release-allegedly-sharing-team-plays|url-status=live}} Additionally, it was later revealed that the accusations were false.{{cite web|title=Sources: XFL quarterback Quinten Dormady accusations are false|url=https://xflboard.com/news/sources-xfl-quarterback-quinten-dormady-accusations-are-false/s|publisher=xflboard.com|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032233/https://xflboard.com/news/salaam-rushes-for-122-yards-as-maniax-beat-xtreme/|url-status=live}} He was put on the "Office of the President's Reserve list", and the Guardians signed Quinton Flowers as a replacement.{{cite web|title=Orlando Guardians sign former USF QB Quinton Flowers|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college-gridiron-365/os-sp-orlando-guardians-sign-former-usf-qb-quinton-flowers-20230307-7a2cw2s3z5fpzirkxynj56voum-story.html|publisher=Orlando Sentinel|author=Murschel, Matt|date=March 6, 2023|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307200207/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college-gridiron-365/os-sp-orlando-guardians-sign-former-usf-qb-quinton-flowers-20230307-7a2cw2s3z5fpzirkxynj56voum-story.html|url-status=live}} Dormady was reinstated after the league determined that there was "no basis for disciplinary action".{{Cite web|title=QB Quinten Dormady Back with Guardians Following Playbook Drama|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/qb-quinten-dormady-back-with-guardians-following-playbook-drama/|website=XFL News Hub|date=March 16, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=March 16, 2023}}
• On March 4, Arlington Renegades resigned United Football Players Association president and running back Kenneth Farrow II and waived running back Keith Ford.{{Cite web|title=Renegades Re-Sign Running Back Kenneth Farrow, Waive Keith Ford|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/renegades-re-sign-running-back-kenneth-farrow-waive-keith-ford/|website=XFL News Hub|date=March 4, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212001/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/renegades-re-sign-running-back-kenneth-farrow-waive-keith-ford/|url-status=live}}
• On March 6, the league announced a unique three-way trade between the DC Defenders, Arlington Renegades and Orlando Guardians. DC traded offensive tackle T.J. Storment to the Orlando Guardians, Orlando traded receiver JaVonta Payton to the Arlington Renegades, and Arlington traded tight end Alex Ellis to the D.C. Defenders.{{Cite web|title=D.C. Defenders Pull Off Two Separate Trades, Acquire OL Antonio Garcia, and TE Alex Ellis|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-pull-off-two-separate-trades-acquire-ol-antonio-garcia-and-te-alex-ellis/|website=XFL News Hub|date=March 7, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=March 7, 2023|archive-date=March 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307212000/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-pull-off-two-separate-trades-acquire-ol-antonio-garcia-and-te-alex-ellis/|url-status=live}}
• On March 7, offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith from the St. Louis Battlehawks was suspended for 2 games, because of a violation of player safety rules during the game played on March 5.{{Cite web|title=Offensive Tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith Suspended 2 Games for Battlehawks|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/offensive-tackle-jaryd-jones-smith-suspended-2-games-for-battlehawks/|website=XFL News Hub|date=March 7, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308153516/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/offensive-tackle-jaryd-jones-smith-suspended-2-games-for-battlehawks/|url-status=live}}
• On March 24, the rights to sign quarterback Kurt Benkert were traded from the Roughnecks to the Brahmas in exchange for linebacker Drew Lewis.{{Cite web|title=Brahmas Acquire QB Kurt Benkert From Roughnecks Amid Flurry Of Moves|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/brahmas-acquire-qb-kurt-benkert-from-roughnecks-amid-flurry-of-moves/|website=XFL News Hub|date=March 24, 2023 }}
• On March 28, quarterback Luis Perez was traded from the Vipers to the Renegades for linebacker Ryan Mueller.{{cite tweet|user=XFL_PR|number=1640790864715710465|title=TRANSACTION: The Arlington Renegades and Vegas Vipers have announced a trade}}
• On April 3, running back Phillip Lindsay signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=2023-04-01 |title=Former Pro Bowl RB Phillip Lindsay signs deal with XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons, per report |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-pro-bowl-rb-phillip-lindsay-signs-deal-with-xfls-seattle-sea-dragons-per-report/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402072647/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-pro-bowl-rb-phillip-lindsay-signs-deal-with-xfls-seattle-sea-dragons-per-report/ |archive-date=2023-04-02 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}
• On April 13, the St. Louis Battlehawks placed quarterback Nick Tiano on the injured reserve and signed quarterback Vincent Testaverde Jr.{{Cite web |last=Rifino |first=Patrick |title=Battlehawks Place Nick Tiano on IR, Sign Vincent Testaverde Jr. to Team |url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/battlehawks-place-nick-tiano-on-ir-sign-vincent-testaverde-jr-to-team/ |access-date=2023-04-23 |website=xflnewshub.com |date=April 14, 2023 |language=en-us}}

{{see also|2023 Indoor Football League season}}

The XFL signed a player personnel partnership with the Indoor Football League, with the IFL functioning as its de facto minor league.{{Cite press release|title=XFL & IFL Announce Player Personnel Partnership|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-ifl-announce-player-personnel-partnership|date=12 Oct 2022|publisher=XFL|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=November 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115193921/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-ifl-announce-player-personnel-partnership|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=XFL and Indoor Football League Looking to Potentially Team Up|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-and-indoor-football-league-looking-to-potentially-team-up/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=October 6, 2022|first=Zach|last=Keilman|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220221058/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-and-indoor-football-league-looking-to-potentially-team-up/|url-status=live}} Brendon White was the first player to exercise the option to join the IFL when he signed with the Massachusetts Pirates,{{Cite web|date=January 24, 2023|title=Former Battlehawks LB/Safety Brendon White Signs with IFL|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/former-battlehawks-lb-safety-brendon-white-signs-with-ifl/|website=xflnewshub.com|first=Patrick|last=Rifino|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124175150/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/former-battlehawks-lb-safety-brendon-white-signs-with-ifl/|url-status=live}} while offensive lineman Joshua Frazier would later join him after he was released by the Guardians.{{Cite web|date=February 20, 2023|title=Pirates Sign OL Joshua Frazier for 2023|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/pirates-sign-ol-joshua-frazier-for-2023/n-5926712|website=oursportscentral|access-date=February 22, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032218/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/pirates-sign-ol-joshua-frazier-for-2023/n-5926712|url-status=live}} Receiver David Tolentino signed with the San Diego Strike Force after he finished his season with the Roughnecks.{{Cite web|title=XFL 2024: Houston Roughnecks Add Eight Rookies, Release Fourteen Others|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-2024-houston-roughnecks-add-eight-rookies-release-fourteen-others/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=June 27, 2023 }} Cardale Jones, who had played in the XFL as DC's starting quarterback in 2020 and had unsuccessfully tried to win back his position in 2023, declined an offer to join the IFL.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TheIFLNetwork/status/1636807766978248720?s=20 |title=Massachusetts Pirates quarterback Cardale Jones has Refused to Report. |publisher=The Indoor Football League Network |date=2023-03-23}}

Tulsa Oilers offensive lineman Larry Williams was the only player who did the opposite way, when he signed with Las Vegas Vipers,{{Cite web|date=January 25, 2023|title=Larry Williams Signs in XFL|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/larry-williams-signs-in-xfl/n-5918323|website=oursportscentral.com|access-date=January 26, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126152555/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/larry-williams-signs-in-xfl/n-5918323|url-status=live}} and was on the Vipers opening day roster.{{Cite web|date=February 9, 2023|title=XFL Teams set Opening Rosters|url=https://xflboard.com/news/xfl-teams-set-opening-rosters/|website=xflboard.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217152314/https://xflboard.com/news/xfl-teams-set-opening-rosters/|url-status=live}}

In April, 2022 the league has signed a partnership with the NFL Alumni Academy to develop potential players which state that every player graduated from the program has an "opt-in" option for XFL contract.{{Cite web |date=April 11, 2022 |title=XFL announces partnership with NFL Alumni Academy to scout, train potential players for XFL's 2023 season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33717947/xfl-announces-partnership-nfl-alumni-academy-scout-train-potential-players-xfl-2023-season |access-date=January 24, 2023 |archive-date=November 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113010808/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33717947/xfl-announces-partnership-nfl-alumni-academy-scout-train-potential-players-xfl-2023-season |url-status=live }} In December rumors started circulating that the Academy is looking to terminate the partnership over payment disagreements,{{Cite web|date=December 6, 2022|title=XFL Partnership with NFL Alumni Academy Reportedly Terminated|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-partnership-with-nfl-alumni-academy-reportedly-terminated/|website=xflnewsroom.com|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124175150/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/xfl-partnership-with-nfl-alumni-academy-reportedly-terminated/|url-status=live}} which was later revealed as a disagreements over the number of players drafted.{{Cite web|date=December 10, 2022|title=XFL 2023 Working To Resolve Ongoing Issues With The NFL Alumni Academy|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-2023-working-to-resolve-ongoing-issues-with-the-nfl-alumni-academy/|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=January 24, 2023|archive-date=January 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124180651/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-2023-working-to-resolve-ongoing-issues-with-the-nfl-alumni-academy/|url-status=live}} The issue was later resolved and the XFL assigned Academy graduates to training camp rosters.{{cite tweet|number=1611448061149970432|user=XFL_PR|author=XFL Communications Department|title=The following players have been assigned to XFL training camp rosters}} 36 alumni were on opening day rosters, while 15 of them were "assigned" players.

{{small|Source{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2023|title=XFL 2023: Rules, player salaries and everything you need to know|url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35660230/xfl-football-2023-primer-rules-player-salaries-coaches-expectations|website=ESPN|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217155530/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35660230/xfl-football-2023-primer-rules-player-salaries-coaches-expectations|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=XFL 2023 rosters: Josh Gordon, Martavis Bryant among the top former NFL players|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/02/10/xfl-announces-2023-rosters-do-you-recognize-these-former-nfl-players/11229506002/|website=USAtoday|language=en|author=Morin, Richard|date=February 10, 2023|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217165731/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2023/02/10/xfl-announces-2023-rosters-do-you-recognize-these-former-nfl-players/11229506002/|url-status=live}}}}

{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Geronimo Allison
• Ryquell Armstead
• Marcell Ateman
• Kalen Ballage
• Vic Beasley
• Martavis Bryant
• Ben DiNucci
• Matt Elam
• Jordan Evans
• Josh Gordon
• Will Hill III
• D'Eriq King
• Marquette King
• Cody Latimer
• Phillip Lindsay
• Paxton Lynch
• A. J. McCarron
• Cole McDonald
• Eli Rogers
• D. J. Swearinger
• Jordan Ta'amu{{div col end}}

On March 11, 2022, multiple news reports indicated that the XFL had hired Reggie Barlow away from the Virginia State Trojans to serve as a head coach. The reports indicated Barlow would coach a team in San Antonio, Texas. On April 6, 2022, multiple news reports indicated that the XFL had hired their second head coach in former NFL Defensive Back Terrell Buckley and that the league was looking to re-hire Renegades head coach Bob Stoops and potentially bring back former Vipers head coach Marc Trestman in another capacity, while noting that in regard to coaches, "the situation (was) fluid" at the time and that several other former NFL players were being considered for coaching positions.{{cite tweet |last=Mitchell |first=Mike |user=ByMikeMitchell |number=1512089941043466240 |date=April 7, 2022 |title=The situation is fluid. But some of the names that I've heard as "potential" head coaches in @XFL2023 to go along with Reggie Barlow and Terrell Buckley are: Bob Stoops, Wade Phillips, Rod Woodson, Hines Ward and Anthony Becht. Jon Kitna and Marc Trestman are also candidates. |language=en |access-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411110702/https://twitter.com/bymikemitchell/status/1512089941043466240 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://fox2now.com/news/is-the-xfl-coming-back-league-looking-at-reinstating-st-louis-dome-lease/|title=Is the XFL coming back? League looking at reinstating St. Louis Dome lease|first=Becky|last=Willeke|work=KTVI|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=May 21, 2020|archive-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529141722/https://fox2now.com/news/is-the-xfl-coming-back-league-looking-at-reinstating-st-louis-dome-lease/|url-status=live}}

On April 13, 2022, the XFL confirmed the hirings of Stoops, Buckley and Barlow, along with the league's five other head coaches, without identifying which teams they would coach. The other head coaches hired were Wade Phillips, Rod Woodson, Anthony Becht, Jim Haslett and Hines Ward.{{Cite web |date=April 13, 2022 |title=Phillips, Haslett, Stoops among XFL coach hires |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33729603/wade-phillips-jim-haslett-bob-stoops-eight-xfl-coaching-hires |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |author=Seifert, Kevin |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413144123/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33729603/wade-phillips-jim-haslett-bob-stoops-eight-xfl-coaching-hires |url-status=live }} Haslett, who was later identified as the Seattle head coach, reportedly brought on former Roughnecks head coach June Jones as offensive coordinator, as Jones had accidentally leaked news of his new position on Twitter before it had been made official.{{Cite web |last=Rachuk |first=Stephan |date=April 26, 2022 |title=June Jones Set to Return to XFL a OC of Seattle Franchise |url=https://xflnewsroom.com/news/june-jones-set-to-return-to-the-xfl-a-oc-of-seattle-franchise/ |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=XFL Newsroom |language=en-US |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426021819/https://xflnewsroom.com/news/june-jones-set-to-return-to-the-xfl-a-oc-of-seattle-franchise/ |url-status=live }} Coaches were given a 3-year contracts.{{Cite web|title=4 Takeaways From The XFL's Arizona Showcase|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/4-takeaways-from-the-xfls-arizona-showcase/|website=XFL News Hub|date=July 27, 2022 }}

For the 2023 season, the XFL started a pilot partnership (in collaboration with Under Armour) with the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches (NCMFC) for exposure to minority coaches, with two coaches from the D.C. and San Antonio markets participating in the program.{{Cite web|title=UFL, Under Armour Announce Expanded Partnership with Minority Coaches Coalition|url=https://www.si.com/fannation/ufl/news/ufl-under-armour-expand-partnership-minority-coaches-coalition|website=SI.com|date=5 March 2024 }}

Of the eight head coaches in the XFL in 2020, only one, Arlington Renegades coach Bob Stoops, will return in the same position in 2023.

On December 8, 2022, the XFL announced it would be keeping its rulebook from the 2020 XFL season, with the following revisions:{{Cite web |title=XFL ANNOUNCES KEY RULE CHANGES FOR 2023 |url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-key-rule-changes-for-2023. |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=xfl.com |language=en-us}}{{Cite web|title=Differences Between The XFL And NFL, And How The New League Can Bolster The Old One|url=https://xflnewshub.com/columns/differences-between-the-xfl-and-nfl-and-how-the-new-league-can-bolster-the-old-one/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=March 2023 |language=en-us|access-date=March 1, 2023|archive-date=March 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301153916/https://xflnewshub.com/columns/differences-between-the-xfl-and-nfl-and-how-the-new-league-can-bolster-the-old-one/|url-status=live}}

• Play clock changes from 25 seconds from the spotting of the ball, to 35 seconds from the end of the previous play.
• Team timeouts increase from 2 to 3 per half.
• Regulation overtime rounds decrease from 5 to 3
• New option to convert a 4th and 15 to keep the ball in the fourth quarter. This is in addition to the traditional onside kick option, which remains in the rules.
• Teams now have one coach's challenge, which can be used to review any officiating decision without restrictions.
• In lieu of the on-site sky judge (used in the AAF and 2020 XFL season), all replay decisions will be made from a centralized hub.{{Cite web|title=Inside the Command Center: New XFL Rules with Dean Blandino|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/inside-the-command-center-new-xfl-rules-with-dean-blandino|website=XFL|access-date=February 27, 2023|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227162052/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/inside-the-command-center-new-xfl-rules-with-dean-blandino|url-status=live}} This hub will retain the error-correction powers the sky judge held.
• A new football will replace the proprietary design used in 2020 with a more conventional pebbling and design scheme, industry-standard Horween leather, and the signature of chairwoman Dany Garcia.

{{2023 XFL standings}}

On July 25, the league announced it had struck an agreement with Arlington, Texas, to serve as the league's centralized hub. The league will host training camps (much as Houston had done in the 2020 XFL season) and practices at various locations in Arlington{{Cite web|title=Welcome to The XFL HUB|website=YouTube|date=January 26, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYkiTw7iKIo|access-date=January 27, 2023|archive-date=January 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174140/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYkiTw7iKIo&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} (Northwest ISD High School, Dragon Stadium, Vernon Newsom Stadium, and Choctaw Stadium),{{Cite web|title=XFL League to begin practices at Northwest ISD, Carroll ISD stadiums this month|url=https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/education/2023/01/03/xfl-league-to-begin-practices-at-northwest-isd-carroll-isd-stadiums-this-month/|access-date=January 3, 2023|website=communityimpact.com|date=January 3, 2023|language=en-us|archive-date=January 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110154949/https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/education/2023/01/03/xfl-league-to-begin-practices-at-northwest-isd-carroll-isd-stadiums-this-month/|url-status=live}} but unlike the United States Football League did in its 2022 season, the XFL will play games in home cities and travel to each city on weekends for games and connection opportunities with the community.{{Cite web |title=XFL announces headquarters will move to Arlington |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/xfl-announces-headquarters-will-move-to-arlington/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |author=Falcon, Julia |date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727015406/https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/xfl-announces-headquarters-will-move-to-arlington/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Hannah |title=XFL Introduces Cities Joining League, Announces Arlington as Football Operations Hub |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/xfl-introduces-cities-joining-league-announces-arlington-as-football-operations-hub/3030683/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth |date=July 25, 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725193320/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/xfl-introduces-cities-joining-league-announces-arlington-as-football-operations-hub/3030683/ |url-status=live }}

For the 2023 season each team trained at a different stadium in Arlington and share it with another team throughout the season as follows:{{Cite web|title=Welcome to the XFL: 2023|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/welcome-to-the-XFL-2023|website=XFL|language=en-US|access-date=February 21, 2023|archive-date=February 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221185007/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/welcome-to-the-XFL-2023|url-status=live}}

• Choctaw Stadium - Arlington Renegades and Houston Roughnecks.
• Vernon Newsom Stadium - DC Defenders and St. Louis BattleHawks.
• Dragon Stadium - Seattle Sea Dragons and Vegas Vipers.
• Northwest ISD High School - Orlando Guardians and San Antonio Brahmas.

While teams held joint practices,{{Cite web|title=Around the XFL – Training Camp Edition|url=https://xflboard.com/news/around-the-xfl-training-camp-edition/|website=XFLboard|date=January 29, 2023 |language=en-US|access-date=February 23, 2023|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223190743/https://xflboard.com/news/around-the-xfl-training-camp-edition/|url-status=live}} the planned untelevised "informal scrimmages" for the league's TV partners, in order to conduct trial runs for their broadcasts, were cancelled as a result of a severe weather in the Dallas Metroplex area.{{Cite web |title=St. Louis Battlehawks temporarily on ice due to Dallas area winter storm |url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/02/01/battlehawks-waiting-to-thaw-due-to-dallas-winter-storm |website=Spectrum News |language=en-US |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220173153/https://spectrumlocalnews.com/mo/st-louis/news/2023/02/01/battlehawks-waiting-to-thaw-due-to-dallas-winter-storm |url-status=live }}

The league is divided into two divisions, North and South.{{Cite web |title=XFL North Division Preview |url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/xfl-north-division-preview |website=XFL |language=en-US |access-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221185219/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/xfl-north-division-preview |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=XFL South Division Preview |url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/xfl-south-division-preview |website=XFL |language=en-US |access-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-date=February 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221185218/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-week-ahead/xfl-south-division-preview |url-status=live }} Each team was given a ten-game schedule with no bye weeks, playing two games against each division rival (one home and one away) and one game against each team in the other division.{{Cite web |title=2023 XFL Season Preview |url=https://www.footballoutsiders.com/ramblings/2023/2023-xfl-season-preview |website=Football Outsiders |language=en-US |access-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220173635/https://www.footballoutsiders.com/ramblings/2023/2023-xfl-season-preview |url-status=live |last1=Outsiders |first1=Football }}

The postseason was a four-team playoff, with the top 2 teams in each division making the postseason. On February 19, it was announced that the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, would host the 2023 XFL Championship.{{Cite web|title=2023 XFL Championship Game to Be Held at San Antonio's Alamodome on May 13|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10066186-2023-xfl-championship-game-to-be-held-at-san-antonios-alamodome-on-may-13|website=Bleacher Report|language=en-US|access-date=February 20, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220173636/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10066186-2023-xfl-championship-game-to-be-held-at-san-antonios-alamodome-on-may-13|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/san-antonio-to-host-inaugural-xfl-championship-game|title=San Antonio to host inaugural XFL Championship Game|work=XFL.com|language=en|date=February 19, 2023|access-date=February 19, 2023|archive-date=February 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219202939/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/san-antonio-to-host-inaugural-xfl-championship-game|url-status=live}}

The format attracted some criticism among league fans{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} by the end of the regular season, as the Battlehawks finished their season with a 7–3 record and did not make the playoffs over a 4–6 Arlington Renegades team (the playoff took the top two teams from each division instead of the division winners and then the next two best teams). Not only did the Battlehawks have three more wins than the Renegades, but they also beat the Renegades in their only meeting of the season. The same complains were heard about the tie-breaker rules, which were copied from the NFL.{{cite web|title=XFL playoff bracket, explained: How tiebreakers, seeding, format will work in 2023|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/xfl-playoff-bracket-explained-tiebreakers-seeding-format-2023|work=The Sporting News}}

After the season, XFL President Russ Brandon addressed both issues: "We never thought we would get that far in the tie-breaker scenario (...) The key to anything is to keep things simple, so we'll have to clean that up (...) We'll evaluate the situation that happened this year with the playoff. looking back at it, more thought needs to go into it. that will be under review."{{cite web|title=XFL Showcase 2023: XFL President Russ Brandon talks Championship, Playoffs, and XFL Future|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCjO41vCi14&ab_channel=AnalyzeandEducate|work=You Tube| date=July 8, 2023 }}

All games stream on ESPN+ unless otherwise noted. Viewership figures for streaming platforms are released four weeks after the event.

{{reflist|group=W5}}

{{reflist|group=W6}}

{{reflist|group=W7}}

{{reflist|group=W10}}

The playoffs started on April 29 and 30 and ended with the championship game on May 13. The North and South Semifinals were hosted by the respective division winners.{{small|{{Cite web|title=Houston Roughnecks XFL South Division Championship Game Tickets On Sale|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/houston-roughnecks-xfl-south-division-championship-game-tickets-on-sale/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=April 18, 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2023|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418165949/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/houston-roughnecks-xfl-south-division-championship-game-tickets-on-sale/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=D.C. Defenders XFL North Division Championship Game Tickets On Sale Today|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-xfl-north-division-championship-game-tickets-on-sale-today/|website=xflnewshub.com|date=April 18, 2023|access-date=April 18, 2023|archive-date=April 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418165949/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/d-c-defenders-xfl-north-division-championship-game-tickets-on-sale-today/|url-status=live}}}} The XFL Championship Game was played at the Alamodome.

{{2023 XFL playoffs}}

{{reflist|group=W11}}

{{small|Reference:}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-announce-2023-schedule|title=XFL AND ESPN ANNOUNCE 2023 SCHEDULE|website=www.xfl.com|language=en|access-date=January 5, 2023|archive-date=January 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105150540/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-announce-2023-schedule|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-update-game-times-and-networks-for-multiple-games|title=XFL AND ESPN UPDATE GAME TIMES AND NETWORKS FOR MULTIPLE GAMES|website=www.xfl.com|language=en|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308210807/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-update-game-times-and-networks-for-multiple-games|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-update-week-seven-schedule|title=XFL AND ESPN UPDATE WEEK SEVEN SCHEDULE|website=www.xfl.com|language=en|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313161608/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-update-week-seven-schedule|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-adjust-week-ten-game-time|title=XFL AND ESPN ADJUST WEEK TEN GAME TIME|website=www.xfl.com|language=en|access-date=April 14, 2023|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414200349/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-espn-adjust-week-ten-game-time|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfls-south-division-championship-game-on-saturday-moved-to-espn|title=XFL'S SOUTH DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ON SATURDAY MOVED TO ESPN|website=www.xfl.com|language=en|access-date=April 28, 2023|archive-date=April 28, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428195011/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfls-south-division-championship-game-on-saturday-moved-to-espn|url-status=live}}

Announced attendance figures for each home game. In the weekly columns, dashes (—) indicate away games, while bold font indicates the highest attendance of the week.

In the 2020 XFL season the league awarded a weekly award called "The Star of the Week". In the 2023 season, the league did not employ the same system. However, some independent media companies recognized offensive, defensive, and special teams players each week.

{{reflist|group=ST}}

On August 3, 2020, it was reported that a consortium led by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale (through Cardinale's fund RedBird Capital Partners) purchased the XFL for $15 million (plus over $9.2 million in debts and payments) just hours before an auction could take place; the purchase received court approval on August 7, 2020.{{Cite news |date=August 2, 2020 |title=THE ROCK BUYS THE XFL FOR $15 MILLION |work=RingsideNews.com |url=https://www.ringsidenews.com/2020/08/03/the-rock-buys-the-xfl-for-15-million/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205212050/https://www.ringsidenews.com/2020/08/03/the-rock-buys-the-xfl-for-15-million/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Kerr |first=Jeff |date=August 2, 2020 |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson buys XFL for $15 million with partners RedBird Capital and Dany Garcia |publisher=CBSSports.com |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-buys-xfl-for-15-million-with-partner-redbird-capital-per-report/ |access-date=August 2, 2020 |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032149/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dwayne-the-rock-johnson-buys-xfl-for-15-million-with-partners-redbird-capital-and-dany-garcia/ |url-status=live }} The XFL's parent company originally listed the league with assets and liabilities in the range of $10 million to $50 million.{{Cite news |last=Millitzer |first=Joe |date=August 3, 2020 |title=XFL purchased by a group including Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson |publisher=Fox 2 Now |url=https://fox2now.com/sports/battlehawks/xfl-purchased-by-a-group-including-dwayne-the-rock-johnson/ |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025002051/https://fox2now.com/sports/battlehawks/xfl-purchased-by-a-group-including-dwayne-the-rock-johnson/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Seifert |first=Kevin |date=August 3, 2020 |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, investor group agree to buy XFL for $15M |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29588303/dwayne-rock-johnson-investor-group-agree-buy-xfl-15m |access-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-date=August 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803212132/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/29588303/dwayne-rock-johnson-investor-group-agree-buy-xfl-15m |url-status=live }}

On August 8, 2022, it was first reported that the XFL was looking for new equity investors in the league. The league has retained PJT Partners to help with the search and raise $125 million in equity funding, while new investors could own up to 45% of the XFL.{{cite web|date=August 8, 2022|title=XFL Seeking New Equity Investors, Retains PJT Partners For Search|url=https://www.sportico.com/leagues/football/2022/xfl-equity-investors-pjt-partners-1234684970/|access-date=August 8, 2022|website=sportico.com|language=en|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808095523/https://www.sportico.com/leagues/football/2022/xfl-equity-investors-pjt-partners-1234684970/|url-status=live}}

Forbes reported in June 2023 that the XFL had spent approximately $140 million in expenses over the course of the 2023 season and earned $80 million in gross revenue, roughly $20 million of which came from its broadcast contract with ESPN. The league estimated an increase in revenue to $100 million for the 2024 season and profitability by 2026.{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Jabari |title=Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Says The XFL Will Succeed. Who Wants To Tell Him He's Wrong? |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jabariyoung/2023/06/10/dwayne-johnson-says-xfl-succeed-nfl-usfl-dany-garcia/ |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=Forbes |language=en}} According to several reports, the XFL marketing budget was $120,000 for the 2023 season.{{Cite web|title=Inside The XFL's Financial Struggles In Season One|url=https://xflnewsroom.com/column/inside-the-xfl-financial-struggles-in-season-one/|website=xflnewsroom.com|date=June 16, 2023 |language=en-US}}

The XFL had announced on the following "Official Partners": Under Armour as the league's official uniform and equipment partner,{{Cite web|title=XFL, Under Armour Unveil Uniforms, Partnership for 2023 Season|url=https://frontofficesports.com/xfl-under-armour-unveil-uniforms-partnership-for-2023-season/|website=Front Office Sports|date=December 7, 2022 |access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217201158/https://frontofficesports.com/xfl-under-armour-unveil-uniforms-partnership-for-2023-season/|url-status=live}} Ticketmaster the official ticketing partner,{{Cite web|title=XFL and Ticketmaster Announce New Multi-Year Partnership|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-ticketmaster-announce-new-multi-year-partnership|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202649/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-ticketmaster-announce-new-multi-year-partnership|url-status=live}} Westgate Resorts the official resort,{{Cite web|title=XFL Announces Westgate Resorts as Founding Partner of the League|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/westgate-resorts-selected-as-the-official-resort-of-the-xfl|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202653/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/westgate-resorts-selected-as-the-official-resort-of-the-xfl|url-status=live}} Progressive as the official auto insurance sponsor,{{Cite web|title=Progressive Insurance has been selected as The Official Auto Insurance Sponsor of the XFL|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/progressive-insurance-named-official-auto-insurance-sponsor-of-the-xfl|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202649/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/progressive-insurance-named-official-auto-insurance-sponsor-of-the-xfl|url-status=live}} SMT as the official scoring and stats provider,{{Cite web|title=XFL Selects SMT as Exclusive Scoring and Stats Provider for 2023 Season|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-selects-smt-as-exclusive-scoring-and-stats-provider-for-2023-season|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202652/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-selects-smt-as-exclusive-scoring-and-stats-provider-for-2023-season|url-status=live}} Genius Sports as the official betting data distributor,{{Cite web|title=XFL and Genius Sports Strike Official Data Distribution and Fan Engagement Partnership|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-genius-sports-strike-official-data-distribution-and-fan-engagement-partnership|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202654/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-genius-sports-strike-official-data-distribution-and-fan-engagement-partnership|url-status=live}} BOLT6 as official instant replay partner,{{Cite web|title=XFL Announces Bolt6 as Official Instant Replay Partner|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-bolt6-as-official-instant-replay-partner|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217201151/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-bolt6-as-official-instant-replay-partner|url-status=live}} Ryzer as the official mindset testing partner{{Cite web|title=Ryzer Mindset Selected as the Official Mindset Testing Partner|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/ryzer-mindset-selected-as-the-official-mindset-testing-partner-of-the-xfl|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202655/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/ryzer-mindset-selected-as-the-official-mindset-testing-partner-of-the-xfl|url-status=live}} and Teremana Tequila as the "league's official and exclusive tequila partner".{{Cite web|title=XFL Announces Teremana Tequila as the Official and Exclusive Tequila of the League|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-teremana-tequila-as-the-official-and-exclusive-tequila-of-the-league|website=XFL|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308210341/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-teremana-tequila-as-the-official-and-exclusive-tequila-of-the-league|url-status=live}} The agreement with Under Armour would later expand, when the league announced an "expansive multi-year partnership".{{Cite web|title=XFL and Under Armour Announce Expansive, Multi-Year Partnership; Under Armour Becomes a Founding Corporate Partner of the XFL|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-under-armour-announce-expansive-multi-year-partnership|website=XFL|access-date=February 27, 2023|archive-date=February 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227153218/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-under-armour-announce-expansive-multi-year-partnership|url-status=live}}

The XFL also announced the following partnerships: Catapult Sports for performing technology,{{Cite web|title=XFL Announces Partnership with Catapult Sports|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-partnership-with-catapult-sports|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217201151/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-partnership-with-catapult-sports|url-status=live}} BreakAway Data for performance, training, recovery and player health data{{Cite web|title=XFL announced a partnership with BreakAway Data, a high-performance sports company|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-partnership-with-breakaway-data-an-innovative-high-performance-sports-company|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202654/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-announces-partnership-with-breakaway-data-an-innovative-high-performance-sports-company|url-status=live}} and Virtual Tables partnership to "incorporate their DigiSign product into the league's fan engagement offerings".{{Cite web|title=XFL and Virtual Tables Announce Partnership|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-virtual-tables-announce-partnership|website=XFL|date=June 16, 2022|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202651/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/xfl-and-virtual-tables-announce-partnership|url-status=live}}

The league signed a three-year agreement with the city of Arlington, Texas, and Choctaw Stadium to be their centralized operations hub for preseason and in-week training for the league's eight teams.{{Cite web|title=XFL Selects City of Arlington & Choctaw Stadium as Its In-Week Performance Center|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/arlington-selected-football-operations-hub|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217202651/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/arlington-selected-football-operations-hub|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=July 25, 2022|title=XFL announces Arlington as league's football operations hub|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2022/07/25/xfl-announces-arlington-as-leagues-football-operations-hub/|website=dallasnews.com|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217201147/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/other-sports/2022/07/25/xfl-announces-arlington-as-leagues-football-operations-hub/|url-status=live}}

Orlando Guardians signed a sponsorship agreement with "Miracle Toyota" dealership.{{Cite web|date=February 23, 2023|title=Miracle Toyota Named Exclusive Partner of Orlando Guardians|url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/miracle-toyota-named-exclusive-partner-of-orlando-guardians/n-5927685|website=oursportscentral.com|access-date=February 23, 2023|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223193505/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/miracle-toyota-named-exclusive-partner-of-orlando-guardians/n-5927685|url-status=live}}

In May 2022, the XFL announced it had signed an exclusive agreement with ESPN Inc. and The Walt Disney Company to carry every XFL game across ESPN's platforms, ABC, and FX. The deal runs through 2027 and worth between $100 million and $150 million.{{Cite web |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=May 17, 2022 |title=Disney Strikes Deal to Put XFL on ESPN, FX, ABC |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/disney-xfl-rights-deal-espn-fx-1235269996/ |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517214901/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/disney-xfl-rights-deal-espn-fx-1235269996/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=XFL midseason TV report card: Ratings have dropped, but is a rebound ahead? |work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/4336479/2023/03/22/xfl-tv-ratings-midseason/ |language=en-US |last1=Shea |first1=Bill }} ESPN Inc. received an unspecified stake in the league as part of the contract, which Johnson confirmed carried a rights fee payment.{{Cite web |last=Keeley |first=Sean |date=2023-06-15 |title=The Rock refutes Andrew Marchand's report on ESPN's XFL rights fees |url=https://awfulannouncing.com/xfl/rock-refutes-andrew-marchand-rights-fees-espn.html |access-date=2023-06-16 |website=Awful Announcing |language=en-US}}

The league's schedule was released January 5, 2023. FX carried the majority of games through the first seven weeks of the season, including a marquee Saturday evening matchup most weeks during that time frame, with ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC assuming the full schedule from Week 8 onward. In all, FX carried 11 games total (down from the original 14 games), ESPN carried 12 regular season games (up from 10 previously), ESPN2 carried 9 regular season games (down from 10 previously), ABC carried 7 regular season games (up from 6 previously), FX and ESPN simulcasted one Week 1 regular season game, and ESPN aired both semi finals games and ABC aired the final (ESPN2 was originally scheduled to air a semifinal game but it was moved over to ESPN).{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Vipers-Renegades to kick off XFL's 2023 season on Feb. 18 |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35384132/vipers-renegades-kick-xfl-2023-season-feb-18 |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105151128/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35384132/vipers-renegades-kick-xfl-2023-season-feb-18 |url-status=live }} The ESPN+ streaming service will stream all of the league's games, while ESPN3 will simulcast ABC games, ESPN's TV Everywhere service will carry games simulcast on ESPN and ESPN2, with FX NOW app simulcasting FX games.{{Cite web |title=Disney, ESPN & XFL Reach Exclusive Multi-Year Agreement |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-espn-xfl-reach-exclusive-multi-year-agreement/ |access-date=2023-01-20 |language=en-us |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120234515/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-espn-xfl-reach-exclusive-multi-year-agreement/ |url-status=live }}[https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/22610/football-live-upcoming Football, Live and Upcoming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204033255/https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/22610/football-live-upcoming |date=February 4, 2023 }} from ESPN.com Video, retrieved February 3, 2023 In January 2023, ESPN announced its commentator teams for the 2023 season.{{Cite web|title=ESPN Reveals Commentator Teams for XFL 2023 Kickoff Season Led by Platform's Signature College Football Voices|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/espn-reveals-commentator|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217192931/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/espn-reveals-commentator|url-status=live}} ESPN Deportes will broadcast 13 regular season game schedule (1 game each on most weeks), Along with all playoff games which will offer Spanish-language coverage of games aired and will be led by play-by-play commentator Rebeca Landa and analyst Sergio Dipp.{{Cite web|title=ESPN Deportes Reveals XFL 2023 Kickoff Season Schedule & Commentator Team|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/espn-deportes-reveals-xfl-2023-kickoff-season-schedule-commentator-team|website=XFL|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217192929/https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/espn-deportes-reveals-xfl-2023-kickoff-season-schedule-commentator-team|url-status=live}}

ESPN also hosted an XFL studio show called XFL Today during the season, with Jason Fitz, Skubie Mageza and Andrew Hawkins.{{Cite web|date=February 16, 2023|title=XFL Today: ESPN Further Expands XFL Coverage with Weekly Digital Studio Show|url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/02/xfl-today-espn-further-expands-xfl-coverage-with-weekly-digital-studio-show/|website=ESPN Press Room|access-date=February 17, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217175832/https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/02/xfl-today-espn-further-expands-xfl-coverage-with-weekly-digital-studio-show/|url-status=live}} The hosts replaced Jonathan Coachman, who declined to return after the money he was due for hosting the show in 2020 went unpaid in the league's bankruptcy.{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Jesse |date=2021-09-15 |title=Jonathan Coachman Says XFL Owes Him Money, Calls Out WWE |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/09/jonathan-coachman-says-xfl-owes-him-money-calls-out-wwe/ |access-date=2024-03-25 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}

The league announced via Twitter that radio broadcasts of XFL games would be carried on Sirius XM on ESPN Xtra radio.{{cite tweet|number=1626665646602739724|user=xfl_pr|author=XFL Communications Department|title=The XFL announced today that the audio of this weekend's games will simulcast on ESPN Xtra, channel 81 on SiriusXM radios in cars and on the SXM App. XFL games will continue to simulcast on SiriusXM throughout the season.}} There will be no terrestrial radio broadcasts in teams' home markets, with the league stating that it had approached radio stations in each city but had found that none were able to accommodate their hometown teams due to existing commitments to other local teams.{{Cite web |last=Caesar |first=Dan |title=Media Views: Can Battlehawks rekindle remarkable surge of 2020 in TV ratings, attendance? |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/media-views-can-battlehawks-rekindle-remarkable-surge-of-2020-in-tv-ratings-attendance/article_64ef243b-dd18-58d4-91dc-f95614f6af94.html |access-date=2023-02-24 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en |date=February 19, 2023 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224232026/https://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/media-views-can-battlehawks-rekindle-remarkable-surge-of-2020-in-tv-ratings-attendance/article_64ef243b-dd18-58d4-91dc-f95614f6af94.html |url-status=live }}

In millions of viewers{{Cite web|title=XFL TV ratings and attendance 2023: XFL championship ratings 2024 outlook|url=https://sportsnaut.com/xfl-tv-ratings-2023/|website=sportsnaut.com|date=May 17, 2023 |language=en-US}}

* One decimal place is shown in table but three decimal places are used in all calculations.
* Viewership figures for games streaming on ESPN+ were not released.

In Latin America, the 2023 season will be televised by ESPN and its streaming and on-demand platform Star+.

In Canada, the 2023 season will be broadcast in English solely online through TSN+, a new subscription over-the-top service being launched by TSN. Games carried on ABC will still be available on traditional television in portions of the country via antenna, cable and satellite systems.{{cite press release|url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-acquires-media-rights-to-pga-tour-live-launches-all-new-streaming-product-tsn-1.1905335|publisher=TSN|date=January 12, 2023|title=TSN acquires media rights to PGA TOUR LIVE; launches TSN+|access-date=January 21, 2023|archive-date=January 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113200238/https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-acquires-media-rights-to-pga-tour-live-launches-all-new-streaming-product-tsn-1.1905335|url-status=live}}

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the 2023 and 2024 seasons will be broadcast by Sport1 and its pay-TV channel Sport1+.{{cite web|url=https://www.sport1.de/news/unternehmen/pressearchiv/2023/01/new-us-sports-highlight-for-all-football-fans-sport1-brings-the-xfl-football-league-to-germany-austria-and-switzerland|title=New US sports highlight for all football fans: SPORT1 brings the XFL Football League to Germany, Austria and Switzerland|date=January 19, 2023|publisher=Sport1|access-date=January 20, 2023|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120120707/https://www.sport1.de/news/unternehmen/pressearchiv/2023/01/new-us-sports-highlight-for-all-football-fans-sport1-brings-the-xfl-football-league-to-germany-austria-and-switzerland|url-status=live}}

On February the league and ESPN announced a collaboration on a new original nine-part docuseries directed by Peter Berg, called "Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream", which "chronicles the building of the XFL and follows the unique stories of players and coaches throughout the inaugural season".{{Cite web|title=XFL Unveils 9-Part Peter Berg-Helmed Docuseries 'Player 54: Chasing The XFL Dream' To Air On ESPN2 & ABC|url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/xfl-peter-berg-docuseries-player-54-chasing-the-xfl-dream-espn2-abc-dwayne-johnson-dany-garcia-1235260394/|website=Deadline Hollywood|language=en|author=Fleming, Mike Jr.|date=February 15, 2023|access-date=February 15, 2023|archive-date=February 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215193608/https://deadline.com/2023/02/xfl-peter-berg-docuseries-player-54-chasing-the-xfl-dream-espn2-abc-dwayne-johnson-dany-garcia-1235260394/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Player 54: Chasing the XFL Dream|url=https://www.espn.com/watch/series/90c6e7d4-e68d-409a-92f5-22c9c5f03aa2/player-54-chasing-the-xfl-dream?om-navmethod=espn%3Aglobalsearch%3Aresults|website=ESPN|language=en}} The first episode, an encore of the episode airing at ABC (it originally aired on ESPN2), averaged 696,000 viewers.{{Cite web|title=ESPN's XFL 2023 Kickoff Weekend Cross-Platform Audience Highlights|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/espns-xfl-2023-kickoff-weekend-cross-platform-audience-highlights/|website=xflnewshub.com|language=en|access-date=February 23, 2023|archive-date=February 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223003048/https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/espns-xfl-2023-kickoff-weekend-cross-platform-audience-highlights/|url-status=live|author=Perry, Mark|date=February 22, 2023}} The show got mixed reviews, while some complained about the broadcasting schedule with minimal advertising from ESPN.{{Cite web|title="Player 54" finale reveals potential of what could've been for the show|url=https://xflboard.com/news/player-54-finale-reveals-potential-of-what-couldve-been-for-the-show/|website=xflboard.com|date=May 29, 2023 |language=en-US}}

The XFL's second return to play began with a game between the Vegas Vipers and Arlington Renegades on Saturday, February 18, 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-20 |title=Best of XFL Week 1: Defenders rally in second half to stun Sea Dragons |url=https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35674604/xfl-week-1-football-highlights-game-recaps-top-players |access-date=2023-02-23 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225235401/https://www.espn.com/xfl/story/_/id/35674604/xfl-week-1-football-highlights-game-recaps-top-players/ |url-status=live }} The first week of games received tentative praise, with Bill Shea of The Athletic grading the return a B− in an article titled "I watched the XFL 3.0 so you don't have to (but you should!): The key takeaways."{{Cite web |last=Shea |first=Bill |title=I watched the XFL 3.0 so you don't have to (but you should!): Some key takeaways |date=February 21, 2023|url=https://theathletic.com/4233482/2023/02/21/xfl-teams-league/ |access-date=2023-02-23 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303220224/https://theathletic.com/4233482/2023/02/21/xfl-teams-league/ |url-status=live }} Also, the Battlehawks game against the Brahmas got international headlines, after come-from-behind improbable win for St. Louis that include a 3-point conversion.{{Cite web|title=XFL: St. Louis Battlehawks stun San Antonio Brahmas with improbable comeback victory|url=https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/xfl-st-louis-battlehawks-stun-san-antonio-brahmas-with-improbable-comeback-victory/|website=americanfootballinternational.com|date=February 20, 2023 |language=en-US}}

However, TV ratings declined in comparison to the XFL's 2020 debut,{{Cite web|website=xflboard.com|title=Is XFL 3.0 Suffering from The Law of Diminishing Returns?|date=February 22, 2023 |url=https://xflboard.com/news/is-xfl-3-0-suffering-from-the-law-of-diminishing-returns/|language=en-US|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=March 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032149/https://xflboard.com/news/is-xfl-3-0-suffering-from-the-law-of-diminishing-returns/|url-status=live}} as some blamed it on the league's promotional tactics.{{Cite web|website=xflboard.com|title=The XFL's failing ratings tell a tale of misguided promotion|date=March 2, 2023 |url=https://xflboard.com/news/the-xfls-failing-ratings-tell-a-tale-of-misguided-promotion/|language=en-US|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=March 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304235502/https://xflboard.com/news/the-xfls-failing-ratings-tell-a-tale-of-misguided-promotion/|url-status=live}} 1.54 million people watched the first game in 2023, down from the 3.3 million who watched the first game aired on ABC in 2020.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-22 |title=XFL 3.0 off to much slower start than predecessors |url=https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/02/xfl-ratings-opening-weekend-fewer-viewers/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |website=Sportsmediawatch.com |language=en-US |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301205845/https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/02/xfl-ratings-opening-weekend-fewer-viewers/ |url-status=live }} Week 2's ratings again lagged as the games were the first to not air on broadcast television (as in 2020 at least two games aired on broadcast television each week).{{Cite web |website=Sportsmediawatch.com |date=2023-02-28 |title=XFL sees big drop in Week 2, but on par with last year's USFL |url=https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/02/xfl-ratings-down-big-week-two-on-par-usfl/ |access-date=2023-02-28 |language=en-US |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301025321/https://www.sportsmediawatch.com/2023/02/xfl-ratings-down-big-week-two-on-par-usfl/ |url-status=live }}

After the Vegas Vipers' home opener many fans began to question the decision to play in Las Vegas, as a result of a local rainstorm causing the field condition in Cashman Field to be "unplayable" while the announced attendance of 6,023 people dwindled as the game progressed,{{Cite web|website=Las Vegas Sun|title=Rainstorm dampens local XFL debut as Vegas Vipers lose at Cashman Field|date=February 26, 2023 |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/feb/26/rainstorm-dampens-local-xfl-debut-as-vegas-vipers/|language=en-US|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=February 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226132324/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2023/feb/26/rainstorm-dampens-local-xfl-debut-as-vegas-vipers/|url-status=live|author=Keefer, Case}} with some calling it a "disaster of optics" after the field's dead grass had to be spray-painted green{{Cite web |website=xflboard.com |title=Vegas home opener a disaster of optics for XFL |date=February 26, 2023 |url=https://xflboard.com/news/vegas-home-opener-a-disaster-of-optics-for-xfl/ |language=en-US |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316032149/https://xflboard.com/news/vegas-home-opener-a-disaster-of-optics-for-xfl/ |url-status=live }} and others even went as far as calling it a "literal dump".{{Cite web|website=Sportskeeda|title=Where do the Vegas Vipers play? Fans slam XFL team's home stadium as "Literal Dump"|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/american-football/where-vegas-vipers-play-fans-slam-xfl-team-s-home-stadium-literal-dump|language=en-US|author=Nanda, Rit|date=February 26, 2023|access-date=March 3, 2023|archive-date=March 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305184813/https://www.sportskeeda.com/american-football/where-vegas-vipers-play-fans-slam-xfl-team-s-home-stadium-literal-dump|url-status=live}} XFL President Russ Brandon addressed the issue a day later, stating: "We have no concerns over the Vegas Vipers' field. They'll continue to work on it, the cosmetic side of it, but the field is sound."{{Cite web |website=oursportscentral.com |title=Inside the XFL |date=March 2, 2023 |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/inside-the-xfl/n-5929840 |language=en-US |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306213953/https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/inside-the-xfl/n-5929840 |url-status=live }}

On March 12, the St. Louis BattleHawks eclipsed their own previously set attendance record from 2020 with 38,310 spectators at their first home game of the season, a game against the Arlington Renegades.

In an interview with USA Today on March 27, Garcia and Johnson stated that they were very pleased with the execution of the league so far, and that there were already plans for a 2024 XFL football season.{{Cite web |last=Schad |first=Tom |title=XFL owners Dany Garcia, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson take stock at season's midway point |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/xfl/2023/03/27/dwayne-johnson-dany-garcia-xfl-midway-point/11541516002/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} After the 2023 XFL Championship Game ESPN's vice president of programming and acquisitions, Tim Reed, expressed satisfaction with the viewership results.{{Cite news|title=XFL title game TV viewership sluggish, but ESPN says season met expectations|work=The New York Times |url=https://theathletic.com/4525161/2023/05/16/xfl-espn-championship-tv-ratings/|language=en-US |last1=Shea |first1=Bill }}

NFL teams were permitted to request tryouts of XFL players beginning the day following a players’ club's last game of the season, including playoffs. NFL teams could also negotiate with the players, but were unable to sign the player until May 15, two days after the conclusion of the XFL championship game. XFL players were also eligible to attend NFL post-draft rookie minicamps on a tryout basis.{{Cite web|url= https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/path-to-the-nfl-opens-for-xfl-players-when-2023-regular-season-ends-this-weekend/|title=XFL Players Eligible for 2023 NFL Draft |date=April 20, 2023}} Three players - Willie Taylor III, Harrison Frost and Marco Domio - were eligible for the 2023 NFL draft, but none were selected.{{Cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/xfl-players-eligible-for-2023-nfl-draft/|title=Path To The NFL Opens For XFL Players When 2023 Regular Season Ends This Weekend |date=April 27, 2023}}

More than 200 players who played in the 2023 XFL season earned invitations to workout for NFL teams, while 63 of them signed contracts. One player (Daniel Whelan) started the 2023 NFL season on active 53-man NFL roster, one other player (Austin Faoliu) started the season on the PUP list, while 3 other players started the season on practice squad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.xfl.com/xfl-latest-news/daniel-whelan-named-to-green-bay-packers-53-man-roster|title=Daniel Whelan Named to Green Bay Packers 53-man Roster|website=XFL.com|access-date=2023-08-31}}{{Cite web|url=https://xflnewshub.com/xfl-news/nfl-cut-down-day-which-xfl-players-made-the-cut-how-many-did-not/?expand_article=1|title=NFL Cut Down Day, Which XFL Players Made The Cut, How Many Did Not|website=xflnewshub.com|access-date=2023-08-29}}

Note the following list notes the status of players as of August 29, 2023, the final day for NFL teams to make preseason cuts.

• 2023 USFL season

{{reflist}}

{{XFL (2020)}}

{{2023 XFL season}}

Category:2023 XFL season

Category:XFL (2020–2023)

XFL

Category:XFL Seasons