Yesterday we posted about Houston Team President Brian Michael Cooper holding a Q&A on August 8th. Now, we’re learning that XFL LA has some plans of their own as well. Heather Brooks Krataz, XFL LA Team President and Norm Chow, Offensive Coordinator for the franchise are going to be holding a Q&A the same day.

Coming next week‼️

Your chance to meet & hang out with President @HeatherBKaratz + OC Norm Chow! Stay tuned for more details! pic.twitter.com/Pe2msmnZo0

— XFL Los Angeles (@XFLLosAngeles) August 3, 2019

Keep in mind, this is after we’ve been hearing reports that the XFL will be announcing team identities some time next week. Although there is no guarantee, we have been receiving numerous reports and leads that this will in fact be the case. It would make sense to hold some fan interaction activities after the announcements are official. When we had announced that team names may be coming next week, we had speculated it would happen prior to Wednesday. Now, we have two Q&A’s happening the following day. Is it possible we see some other teams coordinated a similar event? Only time will tell.

If you’re in the area, we highly suggest that you attend. This is your chance to inquire about any league related activities with members of the XFL. The location and time haven’t yet been specified, we’ll keep you in the loop when we learn more.

This Week in the XFL we’re talking about Team Name timelines, looking at the possibility of Pat McAfee joining the booth for the XFL, discussing the discussions with The Spring League to become the XFL’s D-League and look forward to the next Q&A with XFL Houston Team President Brian Michael Cooper.

As you know, Erik Moses is Team President of the XFL DC franchise. Today we’re learning that he has now been chosen to be part of the Washington Business Journal Leadership Trust.

The Washington Business Journal has invited some of the cities top executives to join a group of leaders to share their experience and insight as they grow the city’s culture of collaboration and innovation.

As we’ve stated before, it’s not just about what happens on the field, but off as well. With this appointment, Moses is showing that he is going to be a leader for the team and the city.

Here is what The Washington Business Journal had to say about Moses:

Erik Moses, Team President, XFL

This year Erik Moses became president of the XFL’s DC team. The team will be one of eight initial franchises in the XFL, a professional football league that will launch in 2020, with home games will be at Audi Field.

Erik comes from a deep background in the sports and events management industry. He spent the last decade as senior vice president and managing director at Events DC, where he worked to attract major events to its facilities, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory and more.

With the XFL, Erik will be responsible for the team’s fan engagement and business operations.

Erik is also an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies, where he teaches about the sports industry management. In another life, Erik was an attorney.

He serves on the board of directors for the DC Jazz Festival, the Military Bowl Foundation, and the US Tennis Association – Mid-Atlantic Section.

Earlier we reported that we are hearing that XFL team identities will be revealed next week. We’re now learning that XFL Houston Team President, Brian Michael Cooper is going to be holding another Q&A next Thursday (August 8).

Join us at Christian's Tailgate at 5114 Kirby Drive on Thursday, August 8th from 6:00-7:30 pm for a Q&A with team president @bmcsportslaw and the chance to win #XFL Houston team gear! pic.twitter.com/qq9MMVOppV

— XFL Houston (@XFLHouston) August 1, 2019

This event will be held at Christian’s Tailgate (5114 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX) between 6-7:30pm. There is a possibility that we will know the identity of XFL Houston by the time this event takes place. Regardless, if you’re in the area this is a must-attend event. We we’re lucky enough to attend the first Q&A last month, and it was a great way for fans to interact directly with the league.

July is officially over, and we still haven’t learned what the XFL team names or logos are going to be yet. As we originally reported back in May, it looks like the identities are coming in August. Luckily, it may be sooner than you imagine.

We’re hearing from numerous sources that wish to remain anonymous that the announcement is coming sometime next week. We already know the potential names for Seattle, but the speculation is about to come to a close.

Fans across the internet have become anxious and frustrated due to the lack of information around the topic. Originally, it was said that team name’s would be announced in May, then June, then July; and no announcements ever came. We had heard at the June Jones press conference that there was a possibility that the announcement would be delayed until August. No official reason was given, but we suspect it was to ensure that the league had the right marketing folks on hand.

There’s no guarantee that we will hear something next week, but we have some solid leads that we will. It would make sense that the new league would want to announce prior to the start of the NFL pre-season. Although no specific dates were announced, we’re thinking Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s possible we may see some leaks prior to the official announcement, so stay tuned. Let us know what you think down in the comments, or join the conversation on the XFL Newsroom Discord.

David Cobb, former University of Minnesota star running back has played in the NFL, CFL, AAF and the Spring League. He’s looking to add the XFL to his resume now as well.

Twin Cities Pioneer Press caught up with Cobb and here’s what he had to say.

“I’m definitely very interested in that,” the free agent said by phone from his home in Austin, Texas. “If I don’t get into (an NFL) training camp, I just have to be prepared to take on the next thing.”

“I’m not old, but I’m old for a running back,” said Cobb, 26. “But I’m still trying to play as long as I can. Maybe an injury pops up here or there (with an NFL team). If not, wait for your next opportunity.

“There’s a lot of things I want to do outside of football, but I want to play football for as long as I can.”

Cobb hasn’t been on an NFL roster since the Bears released him in May 2017. He had a tryout with the Vikings in August 2017 but wasn’t signed.

After rushing for a school-record 1,626 yards as a senior in 2014, Cobb was taken in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL draft by Tennessee. He rushed for 146 yards as a Titans rookie but was cut before the start of the 2016 season.

He participated in The Spring League in 2018, and as a result, signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) on June 4, 2018, in time for their final preseason game. After recording 2 rushes for 1 yard, Cobb was released on June 11. Cobb would go back to The Spring League again for their summer showcase.

In September 2018, Cobb was signed by the San Antonio Commanders of the AAF for the 2019 season. In 8 games played prior to the AAF suspending operations, Cobb earned 137 yards on 35 rushes, and caught 3 passes for 11 yards.

The Spring League just wrapped up they’re second of two “Summer Showcases” yesterday in Mission Viejo, CA. This is the third season for The Spring League, and maybe the most important yet. As you know, the XFL and The Spring League formed a partnership back in January of this year.

As of now, the XFL and TSL have a strictly 3rd party relationship, meaning the XFL does not own a stake in TSL. That being said the XFL is The Spring League’s largest client having spent six-figures on three Spring League events so far.

According to an article on JohnWallstreet.com, it looks as the companies may be forming a tighter bond. TSL CEO Brian Woods thinks the relationship between TSL and the XFL has gone so well, that he’s had preliminary discussions “with Oliver about our league becoming the ‘Official D-League’ of the XFL.” 

This would be a huge move for both parties and would definitely help the XFL in its infancy. If The Spring League does end up being the XFL’s D-League, that would be on top of the already discussed Team 9 which would be used to supplement teams throughout the season.

The XFL is about to sign players, and the Spring League is holding they’re final showcase of the year. We we’re lucky enough to receive rosters for all of the XFL Summer Showcases, and this event is no different. Thanks to the official Twitter account of The Dream Bowl, we have the full list.

Congrats 2 @TheDreamBowl+@HBCUSPIRITBOWL alums P. Settles, L. Brihm, J. Kelly, M. Harris, B. Alleyne, S. Smith, R. Potokov, R. Chase, C. Gomez, H. Tafah, M. Kweyir-Attah, J. Bowser, J. Istache, M. Brown, B. Brice & C. Jacquemin on competeing in @TheSpringLeague! #XFL #DreamBig pic.twitter.com/idROpwCf02

— The Dream Bowl (@TheDreamBowl) July 30, 2019

Offense

Jonathan Banks – QB – Kansas State/Tulane
David Cornwell – QB – Alabama
Vincent Jeffries – QB – Florida A&M
Andrea Nunez – QB – University of Louisiana Lafayette
PJ Settles – QB – Rhodes College
Larry Brihm Jr – QB – Bethune Cookman University
Boom Williams – RB – Kentucky
Jaymar Anderson – RB – East Stroudsburg University
Jason Sterling Scott – RB – Louisville/Eastern Kentucky
Jestin Kelly St – RB – Grambling State University
Dwight Hayes – RB – Arkansas Baptist University
Moses Harris – RB – Castleton University
David Bryant – RB – Florida Institute of Technology
Hjavier Pitts – RB – Thomas More University
Brycen Alleyne – RB – Deleware State
Charles Westbrook – RB – Western Illinois.West Liberty
Patrick Blackwood – RB – Marshall
Ovie Urevbu – RB – Texas A&M Commerce
Dwayne Carter – RB – Harding University
James Graham – RB – Illinois State
Brayden El-Bakri – FB – Brigham Young University
Keith Lewis – WR – Kearney Nebraska
Joel Blumenthal – WR – Southwestern Oklahoma State
Richard Turner – WR – University of Texas San Antonio
Marwuis Wells – WR – Central State University
Jamal Chevis – WR – Arkansas Monticello
Damaar Aultman – WR – University of Maine
Christian Booker – WR – Arkansas State University
Jeff George – WR – University Tennessee
Rodell Cruell – WR – Mcneese State/Tulsculum College
Erik Brundidge – WR – West Chester University
Chad Rex – WR – Ohio Northern University
Keavon Mitchell – WR – Bethune Cookman
Zach Drew Toles – WR – New Mexico Highlands University
Dontez Byrd – WR – Louisville/Tennessee Tech
Shannon Smith – WR – University of West Georgia
Gabriel Alexander – WR – Peru State
Andrew Verboys – WR – University of Deleware
Jarredd Radebaugh – WR – Colorado State University Pueblo
Daniel Walsh – WR – Texas Christian
Brenden KellyEastern Oregon University
Jayln Judkins – TE – Texas A&M/Angelo State
Blake Vandenberg – TE – Missouri Western State
Jake Sutherland – TE – Morehead State University
Michael Lasker – OT – Syracuse University
Josiah Tonu – OT – Souther Oregon University
Rustam Potokov – OG – Urbana University/Nassau CC
Jeremy Schonbrunner – OG – Temple University
Jonte Berry – OG – Kilgore Junior College
Lawrence Omolayo – OG – Pace University
Kirkland Zuniga – OG – Langston University
Joseph Park – OG – University of South Carolina
Raymond Chase Jr – OG – Monroe College/Limestone
Cole Conrad – OC – Nebraska
Chad Moore – OC – Chilliwack
Justin Brown – OC – Benedict College
Chris Gomez – OC – Central Missouri
Byron Glass – OC – Austin Peay State University

Defense

Skye King – DT – York University
Steven Leggett – DT – Florida Atlantic University
Keyso Moss – DT – Antelope College/Missouri S&T
Jason Smith – DT – Marshall/Delaware State
Lord Hyeamang – DT – Columbia University
Harris Tafah – DE – Mcneese State
Whitney Richardson – DE – Lane College
Brandon Jones – DE – Texas A&M University – Kingsville
Edward Mosley – DE – Alabama State
Okezie Adim-Madumere – DE – Northwestern State University
Jordon Harold – DE – Missouri
Tigi Hill – LB – Mesa CC
Osband Thompson – LB – Tuskegee University
Kain Daub – LB – Florida State/Florida Atlantic
Kieren Wilson – LB – Missouri Valley College
Jibrell Hazly – LB – Florida A&M/Feather River
Michael Kewgyir Attah – LB – Monroe College/Norfolk State
Derek Ibkwe – LB – New Mexico State
Kendal Adams – LB – Kansas State
Dewayne Beckford – LB – Purdue University
Ryan Arnold – LB – Dubuque University
Homer Causey – CB – Texas Southern University
Jalen Holloman – CB – Reinhardt
Mike Daniels – CB – West Virginia
Clyde Lee – CB – Houston/Texas Southern
Adonis Phillips – CB – University of Hawaii
Travis McMillan – CB – McKendree University
Dereck Allen Jr – CB – Mcneese State
Malcom Williams – CB – Wayne State University
Osman Toure – CB – Bloomsburg University
Demarcus Owens – CB – New Mexico State
Odie Harris – CB – Shaw University
Ja’Quez Bowser – CB – Alabama State/Faulkner
Rodney Mosley Jr – CB – Union College
Michael Shelton – CB – Bringham Young University
DeWayne Finny Jr – CB – East Central University
Devin Raynod Hines – CB – Seton Hill University
Lorye Broom – CB – Oregon
Morloshawn Franklin Jr – CB – Cal Berkeley
Jonathan Istache – CB – Duquesne University
Jesse Gibson – SAF – Belhaven University
Derick Bernard Hobson II – CB – Alabama
Cody Savage – SAF – Kansas State/Emporia State
Justin Wyatt – SAF – Limestone College/Troy
JJ Nunes – SAF – Valparaiso University
Malik Keshon Brown – SAF – Henderson State
Joshua Hayden – SAF – University of La Verne
DeAndre Williams – SAF – Central State/Missouri State
Brandon Brice – SAF – Harding University
Hassan Ibrahim – SAF – California Berkeley
Christian Jacquemin – K – Jackson State
Phillip Nwosu – K – Amherst College
Nick Dorka Jr – K – William & Mary
Matt Mengel – P – UCLA
Zack Esau – LS – University of Manitoba
Alonso Vera – LS – Cal Berkeley

Pat McAfee finally shared the big news he has been talking about on social media over the weekend.

The former Colts star and current WWE commentator is heading to ESPN as color analyst for Thursday Night college football. This opens the door up for him to take the booth for the XFL come February. It has been long speculated that McAfee would join the new league after he joined the WWE. McAfee has even stated in the past that he would be open to sitting in the booth for the XFL.

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter broke the news Monday on Twitter. McAfee confirmed the news shortly after with a video

Ladies and gentlemen… I'm the luckiest dude on earth.

Thursday nights are about to be a GREAT time on @ESPN with @Hasselbeck, @AdamAmin, and @MollyAMcGrath.

We're just getting started beautiful people… pic.twitter.com/klS64uDFqe

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 29, 2019

McAfee will be calling games with former Colts teammate Matt Hasselbeck and host Adam Amin. In addition to working as a color analyst, McAfee will also make regular appearances on ESPN morning sports show Get Up.

ESPN Signs @PatMcAfeeShow to Multi-Year Deal; Will work Thursday night CFB games and appear in studio

more: https://t.co/m8T1911wym pic.twitter.com/JYInZs7ntm

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 29, 2019

McAfee called two games for Fox Sports last season. His call during his debut broadcast of Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater’s touchdown pass quickly went viral across social media.

The former Barstool employee openly campaigned for a spot on Monday Night Football, now he’ll be working for ESPN on Thursdays.

Regardless of if McAfee ends up in the booth for the XFL, we’re glad to see him moving up.

Yes. Money is a key factor, and by way of McMahon’s wallet, the XFL has a lot of it. It’s been reported that the second coming of the XFL is funded for at least three seasons. If true, it puts them in a much better position than the original and light years ahead of the AAF before kickoff. The numbers vary depending on who you ask, but we estimate the league has $500-700M in backing. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s look at the reasons the new XFL will last longer than the original, the AAF and the USFL.

Broadcast Partners

Although the deals are similar, they are also very very different. Let’s start with the similarities; simply put, the XFL will not be receiving rights fees from networks. That being said the broadcast partners will be footing the bill for the production costs. That comes out to roughly $500,000 per game.

The AAF showed potential drawing a little over 2 million viewers for its debut broadcast on CBS. Unfortunately for the league, the subsequent weeks would be aired on CBS Sports, NFL Network or via the Bleacher Report application. Luckily for the XFL, this is not an issue they will need to overcome. Every XFL game will be aired on ABC, ESPN, FOX or FS1; with the option of streaming via the networks app. In my opinion the league should be able to easily draw an average of 2 million viewers per game, if not more. The Alliance did very well with what they had, but you need to admit that the new XFL has much better visibility than its predecessor.

The Right People in the Right Places

When we look back at the original XFL, there’s a lot of things we could point out for the reason it ultimately failed. One of its major issues was having true football minds in control of the product. Although there is still speculation that Vince McMahon may step down from the WWE when the XFL kicks off, but I wouldn’t count on it. This time around McMahon has put Oliver Luck in charge, and this isn’t his first rodeo.

Luck has prior experience building a spring football league as well as building up a new sports league. After leading the Fankfurt Galaxy and the Rhein Fire as General Manager, Luck was promoted to CEO of NFL Europe. Luck held that role until 2000, during which time he oversaw the league’s rebranding as NFL Europe. This was intended to strengthen the connection between the league and its parent, the NFL.

In 2005, he was named president of the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer. Luck worked with the City and County to create a publicly funded downtown soccer stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, which opened to much fanfare in March 2012. This is just just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Oliver’s skills. This is exactly the person that you need running a new sports organization, Luck along may be the sole reason that the XFL does not repeat history.

Beyond Luck, we have seen the league make a lot of significant hires; from Doug Whaley, Dean Blandino all the way to the coaches where we’ve seen Bob Stoops, June Jones and others put their faith into the league. The AAF looked impressive as well, the good news being is that we’ve seen a lot of former AAF coaches and executives transition into the XFL.

Quality and Pace of the Game

Let’s be honest, the original XFL may have been fun, but it was hardly good. The AAF proved that you could present a quality football game with non-NFL caliber players. The XFL looks to keep that model, and improve on it. We don’t know the official rule set of the new XFL just yet, but we do know that they are going for a fast paced game. Less Stall, More Ball; that’s the motto they’ve been throwing around.

Luck and McMahon have both stated, this new league will not be full of gimmicks. No nicknames on jerseys, no scramble for the ball; just traditional football, with a few twists. Rather than change the game of football, they are making tweaks to remove the non-quality plays. Basically, anything that doesn’t involve playing football, they want to minimize as much as possible. The league has stated that they are aiming for a roughly 2 1/2 hour game, 3 max with overtime.

The league held its own version of the NFL combine this summer in each of their home markets, which they dubbed the Summer Showcase. This season ticket depositors an opportunity to see what the new XFL is all about.  We we’re lucky enough to attend the event in Houston and everyone in attendance that we spoke to was impressed, and in some cases surprised. We think there’s going to be a lot of people that tune into the first XFL game expecting a train wreck that will turn into long term fans. Commissioner Luck has stated we should be getting the finalized rule book late August/early September, so we’ll know soon enough.

Money = Time

Yes, we said that the answer wasn’t just money. But, it does have a lot to do with it still. Vince McMahon doesn’t like to fail, and he wouldn’t try the XFL again if he thought it would fail. He has already invested roughly $750,000,000 into the new league; which, is no chump change. When we look back at the AAF, the WFL and even the USFL their major undoing was capitol. Due to the fact that the leagues owns all of the teams, none of the teams will fold if the league stays afloat.

The other important thing that capitol brings, is time. Due to McMahon’s investments the XFL has had the time to do things right this time around. The AAF rushed to get on the field to beat the XFL to market, and it resulted in them folding prior to the seasons end. There was some hope when Tom Dundon saved the league after the second week, but because of that he had complete control to shutter the doors. The XFL doesn’t need to worry about that. From past interviews it seems that the new XFL is funded for at minimum three seasons. We think that gives this new league a fighting change, especially when you add in the broadcast partners.

At the time of publication we’re just 195 days away from kick off. The first game airs on ABC at 2pm EST on Feb 8, 2020; with a second game being aired on Fox later that afternoon. You can feel the excitement building from the fans. Team names/logos are coming, then we head into the draft and kickoff will be here before you know it.