On March 10th, the XFL’s Instagram released a post discussing some new collaborations and talks between their leadership and the leadership of the Canadian football League. According to the post, the two entered “formal talks to identify potential opportunities for the leagues to collaborate, innovate, and grow the game of football.”

The XFL Chairwoman and Owner, Dany Garcia, explained that

“Since we first acquired XFL, we have focused on identifying partners who share our vision and values on and off the field,” said Garcia. “The CFL has expressed tat similar sentiment and jointly we recognize a great opportunity to build exciting innovative football experiences…”

While the XFL has had recent struggles staying afloat amid a global pandemic, the outlook for the organization may seem bright if they work with others, not only in America, but across the continent. The upcoming 2022 season of the XFL is on hold pending the outcome of the conversations between the two, but it is expected to continue forward by the time the season is ready to begin.

The XFL President and CEO, Jeffery Pollack agreed that

“We are honored and excited to be in discussions with the CFL,” said Pollack. “It’s clear… that we share a passion for football, an expansive sense of possibility, and a deep desire to create more opportunity for players and fans across North America and around the world.”

Beyond these talks, the XFL has been met with both welcomes and criticism from football fans, administration from the NFL, and leaders from other sports organizations. Only time will tell how these negotiations will shape opinions for the organization. What a merger could do for the CFL is also unknown- as this is something that has never been attempted before between to international football organizations.