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XFL names Fred Harner as SVP Content and Media

Stephan Rachuk — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:57:32 +0000

XFL NAMES FRED HARNER TO LEAD CONTENT AND MEDIA INITIATIVES

Stamford, Conn., June 17, 2019 – The XFL today announced that Fred Harner, most recently Vice President and General Manager of Digital Media at SportsNet New York, has been named Senior Vice President of Content and Media.

In his new position, Harner will lead the XFL’s content strategy and all digital and social media initiatives for the league and its eight teams. He will also work closely with the XFL’s broadcast partners – ESPN and FOX Sports – to help drive tune-in and fan engagement, and manage the development of new programming initiatives.

“Vince McMahon and I are delighted to have a recognized and seasoned media executive like Fred join the XFL and help us offer fans fresh and compelling football content,” said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL President and Chief Operating Officer. “Fred’s career has been marked by two decades of innovation and transformation, and he will help us connect with our fans through new points of access to the game they love.”

“I’m so grateful to Vince McMahon and Jeffrey Pollack for this truly unique opportunity,” said Harner. “Launching and leading digital operations at YES and SNY was both challenging and exhilarating. I see many similarities with the new XFL, and look forward to reimagining the digital aspects of fan engagement as we drive to our February launch.”

As head of SNY’s digital operation from 2007 to 2019, Harner oversaw business development, sales, sponsorship, live streaming, multi-platform content creation, social media, VOD, partner relations, analytics, and digital products. He drove SNY.tv traffic and revenue to all-time highs, and introduced live-streaming of New York Mets games and University of Connecticut basketball games. Harner also led business initiatives with partners such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, NBCU sports properties, MLB Advanced Media, Adobe, Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, and The Score.

Before joining SNY, Harner spent six years as the digital media director at the YES Network, helping to launch the most-watched regional sports network in the U.S. and quickly establishing the network’s web site as a prime resource for Yankees fans around the globe. He also spent five years as a senior editor for ABC Sports Online and ESPN.com, managing ABC Sports’ Monday Night Football, Bowl Championship Series, Triple Crown, and Indy 500 digital coverage.

Harner has won multiple N.Y. Sports Emmy and Telly Awards, and was selected to participate in Comcast/NBCU’s exclusive INVEST executive leadership development program. A regular on the speaker circuit, he has appeared on several panels, including the SXSW Technology Conference and BlogWorld & New Media Expo.

Harner earned a B.S. in Journalism from the University of Maine in 1993 and a Master’s in Athletic Administration from Ohio University in 1995.

ABOUT THE XFL

The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend of February 8-9, 2020, committed to delivering a brisk, fast-paced game, with a fan-centric, innovative, and affordable gameday experience. The inaugural season will launch with teams in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington D.C. Each team will compete with a 45-man active roster over a 10-week regular season with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. Every XFL game – every week – will be nationally televised and easy-to-find for fans coast-to-coast. Starting in February 2020, the XFL will air weekly on ABC and FOX, with games also on ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and FS2. Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman, is personally funding the new league, and building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse. For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .

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XFL Establishes Health Advisory Committee

Stephan Rachuk — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:52:11 +0000

Veteran MLB Athletic Trainer Named as Vice President of Health and Safety

Stamford, Conn., June 3, 2019 – The XFL has established a health advisory committee comprised initially of experts in neurology, mental health, and orthopedics to support the health and wellness of XFL players.

The founding members of the XFL’s health advisory committee are Dr. Julian Bailes; Dr. Larry Lemak; and Dr. Claudia Reardon, representing the fields of neurosurgery, orthopedics and mental health, respectively. Dr. Bailes will serve as Chief Medical Advisor.

The league also appointed Daniel Wright, most recently the Head Athletic Trainer for the Milwaukee Brewers, as Vice President of Health and Safety. Wright, a member of the National Athletic Trainer’s Association for more than 30 years, will work with the health advisory committee to prepare and maintain the XFL’s health, wellness and safety policies, procedures and protocols. Wright will also hire, supervise, and evaluate the team athletic trainers.

“The health and safety of our players is an important focus on our path to reimagine football and deliver a great product to fans when we kick off in February 2020,” said XFL Commissioner & CEO Oliver Luck. “Putting in place the right experts and medical professionals is key. Our health advisory committee will work closely with our football operations department to create protocols and build best practice guidelines that put player health and safety at the forefront of everything we do.”

Dr. Bailes is considered a leading authority in neurosurgery, traumatic brain injury and research, and neurological sports medicine. He is Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at NorthShore University HealthSystem and Co-Director of the Northshore Neurological Institute in Evanston, Il. Dr. Bailes served as team physician for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 10 years, and the NCAA Division I for 15 years. He is a member of the NFL Head, Neck and Spine Committee, NFLPA Mackey White Health and Safety Committee, and Chairman of the Pop Warner Football Medical Advisory Committee. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon, earned bachelor of science and doctor of medicine degrees from Louisiana State University, and received neurosurgery training at Northwestern University and the Barrow Neurological Institute.

Dr. Lemak is the Founder of Lemak Health, a center of excellence in orthopedics and primary care sports medicine. He serves on Pop Warner Football’s Medical Advisory Committee and the Alabama High School Athletic Association. Dr. Lemak founded the National Center for Sports Safety in 2001 and the Alabama Sports Foundation in 1996. He also served as Medical Director for Major League Soccer for 20 years, was a founder of the American Sports Medicine Institute, and was the Medical Director of NFL Europe League for more than 15 years. Dr. Lemak is a graduate of The University of Alabama Medical School and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and the Arthroscopy Association of North America.

Dr. Reardon is a Board-certified psychiatrist specializing in sports psychiatry and an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Psychiatry. She clinically works as the consulting sports psychiatrist to the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department at UW-Madison’s University Health Services.

Dr. Reardon has served on the International Society for Sports Psychiatry Board of Directors since 2010, currently as its Secretary and Education Committee Chair. She also serves as the sole psychiatrist on the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Dr. Reardon chairs a workgroup on Mental Illness in Elite Athletes for the International Olympic Committee. She has published and presented widely on many sports psychiatry related topics, and is Co-Editor of the book “Clinical Sports Psychiatry: An International Perspective.” She completed her undergraduate and medical school degrees as well as her psychiatry residency training, serving as Chief Resident, at the University of Wisconsin.

Wright has been an athletic trainer since 1985. He recently spent 18 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, first as the Assistant Athletic Trainer and Conditioning Coordinator (2001-10), then as the Head Athletic Trainer (2011-18). In addition to the Brewers, Wright has held athletic training positions at either the minor or major league-level for the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. From 1995 to 2008, he was Co-Owner and President of FitLife Health Systems, Inc., a business that provided athletic training, injury rehabilitation, and performance, fitness and conditioning services. Wright earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education (1984) and Master of Science in Clinical Health and Sports Medicine (1987) from the University of Oregon.

ABOUT THE XFL
The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend of February 8-9, 2020, committed to delivering a brisk, fast-paced game, with a fan-centric, innovative, and affordable gameday experience. The inaugural season will launch with teams in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington D.C. Each team will compete with a 45-man active roster over a 10-week regular season with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. Every XFL game – every week – will be nationally televised and easy-to-find for fans coast-to-coast. Starting in February 2020, the XFL will air weekly on ABC and FOX, with games also on ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and FS2. Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman, is personally funding the new league, and building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse. For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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XFL to hold press conference to announce Head Coach/GM and President of NY franchise

Stephan Rachuk — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 17:32:14 +0000

The XFL sent out press release today stating that they will hold a press conference next Tuesday, April 16th at The AC Hotel in Times Square to announce the Head Coach/GM and the President of the New York XFL franchise.

No names have been rumored yet for either role, but we’ll keep you updated as we find out more.

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XFL names Jordan Schlachter to Lead Sales and Derek Throneburg to Lead Team Business Operations

Stephan Rachuk — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 14:21:57 +0000

Stamford, Conn., April 1, 2019 – The XFL today announced that Jordan Schlachter,
most recently Chief Marketing Officer of the National Basketball Players Association
and President of its marketing and revenue arm, THINK 450, has been named Chief
Marketing and Commercial Officer. Also, Derek Throneburg, most recently Vice
President of Customer Insight and Engagement for Pacers Sports & Entertainment,
joins the league as Senior Vice President of Team Business Operations.

Schlachter will be responsible for building the XFL’s sponsorship and corporate
partnership business and overseeing the new league’s advertising, marketing,
communications, and consumer product initiatives.

Throneburg will work directly with each of the XFL’s eight team presidents to help
engage with fans and the community, sell tickets, build local promotional
initiatives, and develop the game day experience.

Both Schlachter and Throneburg will report to Jeffrey Pollack, XFL President and
Chief Operating Officer.

“Jordan and Derek are proven leaders who bring the energy and spirit we need to
successfully launch and then grow,” said Pollack. “Neither is afraid to experiment
or challenge traditional thinking and Vince McMahon and I welcome them warmly to the
XFL family.”

Schlachter became the NBPA’s first CMO in 2015 and helped create its THINK 450 unit,
becoming its first President in 2017. From 2012 to 2014, he served as Executive Vice
President for The Marketing Arm and before that worked with iHeartMedia as Vice
President for Integrated Media and Marketing. Earlier, he worked as Managing
Director and Head of New Business Development and Athlete Marketing for the United
States Olympic Committee; Vice President, Marketing for the New York Knicks; and
Vice President, Marketing, Content Sales and New Media for MTV Networks.
Schlachter’s professional career began at the National Basketball Association and
NBA Properties.

Schlachter holds a bachelor’s degree in American History from Harvard University and
an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

As Vice President of Customer Insight and Engagement for Pacers Sports &
Entertainment — whose properties include the NBA Indiana Pacers, WNBA Indiana
Fever, NBA G-League Fort Wayne Mad Ants, and Pacers Gaming of the NBA2K League —
Throneburg led digital and social media, customer retention, and fan journey
strategy. He joined Pacers Sports & Entertainment in 2012 as Vice President, Ticket
Sales Strategy, and held two other vice president-level positions before assuming
his most recent role in 2018. At different points, Throneburg managed ticket sales,
customer retention, marketing, advertising, digital, social media, analytics, and
marketing technology.

Before joining Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Throneburg spent ten years in various
ticket sales and management roles with MLB’s St. Louis Cardinals, beginning as a
direct sales representative in 2002 and advancing to Director, Ticket Development.

Throneburg graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the
University of Illinois, where he also played on the Fighting Illini baseball team.
He sits on the advisory board of the Illinois Sports Business Conference and is a
member of Salesforce Marketing Cloud’s Customer Advisory Board.

About The XFL

The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend
of February 8-9, 2020. The new league is committed to delivering a fan-centric,
innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment,
complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.

Football is America’s favorite sport boasting over 85 million fans, but the
traditional season is just too short. Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the
void, Vince McMahon, XFL Founder andChairman announced on January 25, 2018, the
launch of a new league, which he is personally funding. McMahon is building the XFL
with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a
global media and sports entertainment powerhouse.

Delivering authentic, high energy football for the whole family at an affordable
price, the XFL will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler
rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters, and a 10-week
regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games
and a championship game. The XFL will also establish a health, wellness and safety
program that meets the needs of today’s athletes.

The XFL will embrace the latest on and off-field technology, providing live game
coverage, content and real-time engagement across multiple platforms, giving fans
greater access than ever before. The XFL is committed to building grassroots
relationships with local organizations in its host cities through social
responsibility partnerships, and the XFL will enjoy the support of WWE’s many
extraordinary resources and promotional capabilities.

The XFL will launch next year in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis,
Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington D.C.

For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post XFL names Jordan Schlachter to Lead Sales and Derek Throneburg to Lead Team Business Operations appeared first on XFL Newsroom.

Erik A. Moses named President of XFL Team in Washington D.C.

Stephan Rachuk — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 14:06:47 +0000

Stamford, Conn., March 29, 2019 – The XFL today announced that Erik A. Moses, most recently the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Sports, Entertainment & Special Events for Events DC, has been named President of the XFL football team in Washington, D.C.

The DC XFL team will first take the field in February 2020 for its inaugural season and play its home games at Audi Field. Last month, Pep Hamilton was named the team’s Head Coach and General Manager.

Moses will be responsible for the team’s fan engagement and business operations, including, ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, content, communications, community relations, and the game day experience.

“Vince McMahon and I welcome Erik to the XFL family and know he is the right executive to help lead the way for us in our nation’s capital,” said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL President, and Chief Operating Officer. “Erik understands what makes DC tick and he will help the XFL connect meaningfully with football fans and the local community.”

“I’m excited to join the XFL and help build a new type of sports league that focuses on innovation, affordable entertainment, and family fun,” said Moses. “I am grateful to my colleagues at Events DC and our city’s leadership for allowing me to represent this town’s sports and entertainment industry for the past ten years. I can think of no better next step than to work with this great community to establish the XFL in DC and across the entire Washington region and cultivate a passionate, loyal fan base for our team.”

“I am very much looking forward to working with Erik to reimagine football here in DC and bring the fans an amazing experience when we kick off in February 2020,” said XFL Washington D.C. Head Coach and General Manager Pep Hamilton. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know Erik throughout the interview process and know he is exactly the right partner for the job, and I can’t wait to get started building our DC team.”

Over the last decade, Moses directed the Sports and Entertainment Division of Events DC, where he worked to attract major events to its facilities, including Nationals Park, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the DC Armory, RFK Festival Grounds, the Entertainment & Sports Arena, Gateway DC Pavilion, and RISE Demonstration Center. Moses also led Events DC’s corporate partnerships initiative that connected the organization with brands such as PepsiCo, Lyft, Hilton, RCN, and the DC Lottery.

Before the 2009 merger that created Events DC, Moses was CEO of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission from June 2008 to September 2009. In addition to navigating the merger with the Washington Convention Center Authority, Moses oversaw the completion of construction at Nationals Park, the development of the Military Bowl, and the creation and launch of the AT&T Nation’s Football Classic, and was the catalyst behind the public-private partnership which developed the Skate Park at RFK Stadium.

Moses also served as the Director of the District of Columbia’s Department of Small and Local Business Development, and began his career in private practice with Dow Lohnes PLLC. He then joined America Online, Inc. where he served as legal counsel and as a director of business development.

Moses is currently an adjunct professor in the Sports Industry Management Program at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies. He serves on the board of directors for the DC Jazz Festival, the Military Bowl Foundation, and the US Tennis Association – Mid-Atlantic Section.

Moses received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his J.D. from the Duke University School of Law. He is a member of the bar in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. He resides in Washington, DC with his wife and two sons.

About the XFL

The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend of February 8-9, 2020. The new league is committed to delivering a fan-centric, innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment, complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.

Football is America’s favorite sport boasting over 85 million fans, but the traditional season is just too short. Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the void, Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman announced on January 25, 2018, the launch of a new league, which he is personally funding. McMahon is building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse.

Delivering authentic, high energy football for the whole family at an affordable price, the XFL will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. The XFL will also establish a health, wellness and safety program that meets the needs of today’s athletes.

The XFL will embrace the latest on and off-field technology, providing live game coverage, content and real-time engagement across multiple platforms, giving fans greater access than ever before. The XFL is committed to building grassroots relationships with local organizations in its host cities through social responsibility partnerships, and the XFL will enjoy the support of WWE’s many extraordinary resources and promotional capabilities.

The XFL will launch next year in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington D.C.

For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post Erik A. Moses named President of XFL Team in Washington D.C. appeared first on XFL Newsroom.

Heather Brooks Karatz to be named XFL LA Team President

Stephan Rachuk — Thu, 21 Mar 2019 03:36:30 +0000

XFL LA doesn’t have a name, logo or coach yet, but Thursday the team will announce Heather Brooks Karatz as the team’s president. Karatz was the executive vice president and general counsel of LAFC until Wednesday when she left for this new opportunity. Karatz will be responsible for the team’s fan engagement and business operations.

“One of the pivotal components to the success of LAFC has been listening to our fans and listening to our supporters and that’s what I’m going to do with L.A.’s XFL team,” Karatz said Wednesday. “We want to work with them and give them a voice through the process to make sure they feel like this is their team and they’re part of the authentic growth of the team. We are creating a new team, a new league and a new fan experience for the L.A. market.”

Here is the official Press Release put out by the XFL

Stamford, Conn., March 21, 2019 – The XFL today announced that Heather Brooks Karatz, most recently the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Los Angeles Football Club and Banc of California Stadium, has been named President of the XFL football team in Los Angeles.

Karatz will be responsible for the team’s fan engagement and business operations, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, content, communications, community relations, and the game day experience.

“Vince McMahon and I are thrilled that Heather is our first team president,” said Jeffrey Pollack, XFL President and Chief Operating Officer. “She knows Los Angeles inside out, played a key role in one of the most successful launch efforts in professional sports, and will help us build a fanbase and get it right.”

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to launch a team that is authentic to Los Angeles,” said Karatz. “The XFL’s mission is to put the fan above all and bring new thinking, not only to the game, but to how we engage fans and their families, connect with the community through a love for football, and manage every aspect of our operations. Starting from scratch means our perspective can be fresh and I can’t wait to get started creating a new team for the LA market and entire community.”

Before joining LAFC in January 2017, just as the team broke ground on the Banc of California Stadium, Karatz was the General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Relativity Sports where she represented more than 300 professional athletes across the National Football League, National Basketball Association, and Major League Baseball. She also worked as an attorney for the National Hockey League and as a law clerk for the NFL Management Council. Karatz began her legal career as a labor and employment attorney at Hunton & Williams, LLP (now known as Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP).

Karatz earned her law degree at UCLA and graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

She lives in West Hollywood with her three-year-old twins and husband Teddy Karatz.

The Los Angeles XFL team will first take the field in February 2020 for its inaugural season and will play its home games at Dignity Health Sports Park (formerly StubHub Center) in Carson, California.

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XFL partners with Your Call Football to test new rules

Stephan Rachuk — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 13:36:38 +0000

Stamford, Conn., March 11, 2019 – The XFL today announced that they are testing new rules under consideration before its February 2020 kick off with Your Call Football (YCF). Testing occurred during YCF practices on March 7-9 and will continue this week on March 14 and 15. During each practice, YCF coaches are working closely with the XFL’s football operations team to employ rules the league has researched and developed since announcing its return over a year ago.

“We’re impressed with the innovative game Julie and her team are building, and excited that this partnership with Your Call Football gives us an opportunity to test out rules we’re considering in real time,” said XFL CEO & Commissioner, Oliver Luck. “We believe that testing and retesting the changes we’re contemplating is essential to achieving our goal of reimaging the sport and putting a great game on the field next February.”

“We are equally excited to partner with a great brand like the XFL,” said Julie Meringer, president of Your Call Football. “Our high-caliber football allows the XFL to test new features as they get ready for 2020. It is also great to partner with Oliver and his team as they reimagine football since it aligns with our strategy of innovating the fan experience through live play-calling.”

About Your Call Inc.

Your Call Football is in its second series, which began February 25, at the Dream Finders Homes Flex Field at Daily’s Place, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The two YCF teams are led by former NFL running back Merrill Hoge and former NFL defensive back Solomon Wilcots.

They provide fans with a selection of three plays to vote on, and the majority play is then executed live on the field. The free YCF app is available for download in the App Store and on Google Play. The upcoming games will be live streamed tonight March 11 and March 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Based in Newton, Mass., Your Call Inc. puts fans in control of live games, transforming spectator sports into interactive, social and competitive experiences, a concept originated by industry luminary George F. Colony in 2013. Privately held, the company’s leadership team is comprised of executives from the technology, digital and sports industries. Your Call Inc.’s proprietary, patented technology delivered a fan-controlled, live sports experience, Your Call Football, in 2018. For more information, visit www.yourcallfootball.com.

About The XFL

The XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off the weekend of February 8-9, 2020. The new league is committed to delivering a fan-centric, innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment, complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.

Football is America’s favorite sport boasting over 85 million fans, but the traditional season is just too short. Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the void, Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman announced on January 25, 2018, the launch of a new league, which he is personally funding. McMahon is building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse.

Delivering authentic, high energy football for the whole family at an affordable price, the XFL will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. The XFL will also establish a health, wellness and safety program that meets the needs of today’s athletes.

The XFL will embrace the latest on and off-field technology, providing live game coverage, content and real-time engagement across multiple platforms, giving fans greater access than ever before. The XFL is committed to building grassroots relationships with local organizations in its host cities through social responsibility partnerships, and the XFL will enjoy the support of WWE’s many extraordinary resources and promotional capabilities.

The XFL will launch next year in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay and Washington D.C.

For more information, visit XFL.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contacts: Lou D’Ermilio – XFL Caitlin Snider – CTP for Your Call Football lou.dermilio@xfl.com csnider@ctpboston.com 917-601-6898 617-412-4000

The post XFL partners with Your Call Football to test new rules appeared first on XFL Newsroom.

XFL Partners with The Spring League to Reimagine Football

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:22:40 +0000

Stamford, Conn., January 30, 2019 – The XFL today announced that it has formed a partnership with The Spring LEague, an elite professional football development organization, to test changes to rules and gameplay as it works to reimagine the game when it kicks off in 2020. Testing during The Spring League’s upcoming season follows the XFL’s first testing session conducted last month, which featured two Mississippi-based junior college teams.

The Spring League will take the field in Austin, Texas from March 28 to April 11 and will provide players the opportunity to showcase their ability in front of the XFL, NFL and other professional football talent evaluators. While doing so, coaches will work closely with football operations executive from the XFL to blend in on-field adjustments the league has been researching and developing since announcing its return just over a year ago.

“We believe that conducting live R&D sessions to test out potential game adjustments in real time is critical,” Oliver Luck, XFL Commissioner & CEO. “Puttung the best product on the field is out number one priority and thanks to partners like The Spring League, we are confident that the changes we eventually decide to deploy will have the desired effect and we will deliver outstanding football when we kick off.”

“This is an exciting partnership for The Spring League,” said Brian Woods, CEO of The Spring League, “We applaud the XFL’s effor to reimagine the game and simultaneously provide out players and additional opportunity to display their talents for the XFL coaches and scouts in attendance.”

In early December, XFL football operations personnel worked with the National Junior College Athletic Association and two member schools, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Pearl River Community College, to conduct its first live R&D session.

“The feedback we recieved from the players, coached and game officials who participated in our three R&D sessions in December was hugely beneficial,” said Doug Whaley, XFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations. “We’re excited to take that feedback, as well as observations from the hundreds of hours of tape we captured, and put these new adjustments on the field in real time with the incredibly talented players of The Spring League attracts.

The post XFL Partners with The Spring League to Reimagine Football appeared first on XFL Newsroom.

Jeffrey Pollack Named XFL President & COO

Stephan Rachuk — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:33:45 +0000

The XFL just put out a press release announcing the hireing of Jeffrey Pollack as the President and COO of the upcoming XFL. See below for the full release.

Stamford, Conn. – The XFL today announced that sports industry veteran Jeffrey Pollack has been named President & Chief Operating Officer and will oversee the league’s strategic planning and business operations, as well as the management of its eight teams.

“Just as Oliver Luck is perfectly suited to be Commissioner & CEO, so too is Jeffrey Pollack suited perfectly to be XFL President & COO with his extraordinary experience and diverse background across a variety of global sports properties,” said Vince McMahon, XFL Founder & Chairman. “I have no doubt that Oliver and Jeffrey will successfully reimagine the game of football and guide the XFL to long-term success.”

“It’s not often that a new professional sports league is positioned for success like the XFL,” said Pollack. “There’s a clear vision for what we will offer our fans, players and partners, and I look forward to working closely with Vince and Oliver to bring that vision to life.”

Pollack comes to the XFL from the Los Angeles Chargers, where he was Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and Special Advisor.

With a 25-year track record, Pollack began his career in sports in 1994 when, as the founding President and Publisher, he created and launched The Sports Business Daily. He then joined the National Basketball Association in 1998 as a Strategic Communications Consultant and also served as the league’s Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications. In 2001, he was named Managing Director of Broadcasting and New Media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment.

From 2005 to 2009, Pollack served as Commissioner of the World Series of Poker and Vice President of Sports and Entertainment Marketing for Caesars Entertainment. He has also served as Executive Chairman of the Professional Bull Riders and Executive Chairman of Federated Sports and Gaming.

Pollack has a Bachelor’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, a Master’s degree from The Graduate School of Political Management, and a Master’s degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

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Roxanne Kosarzycki named as XFL General Counsel

Stephan Rachuk — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 17:00:31 +0000

XFL press release:

ROXANNE KOSARZYCKI NAMED XFL GENERAL COUNSEL

Stamford, Conn., Sept. 5, 2018 – Roxanne Kosarzycki, former General Counsel for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been named General Counsel for the XFL. The announcement was made today by XFL Commissioner & CEO Oliver Luck, to whom Kosarzycki will report. The new XFL kicks off in early 2020 and will deliver a fan-centric, innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment, complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.

Kosarzycki comes to the XFL from her prior position as Senior Vice President/General Counsel for Global Imaging Systems, Inc., a leading provider of business technology solutions. From March 2011 until accepting her new post with the XFL, she served as the company’s general counsel and corporate secretary, providing guidance and counsel in all aspects of the business.

Before working for GIS, Kosarzycki was General Counsel for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with accountability for a broad range of business, operational and legal functions. Her many responsibilities included drafting and negotiating all business contracts, including sponsorship, marketing, media technology, licensing and employment; managing player contracts; supervising human resources; and protecting the team’s trademark portfolio and copyrighted information. Kosarzycki’s extensive experience in professional sports began in July 1992 as Associate Counsel for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, a position she held until joining the Buccaneers in 2004. While with the Raiders, Kosarzycki also served as counsel to the teams’ retail operation.

After earning her B.A. at the University of California, Los Angeles in 1987, Kosarzycki earned her J.D. from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1992. She is a member of the California and Florida Bar Associations.

Plans for the XFL at launch include eight teams, 40-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game.

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About The XFL

The new XFL will reimagine football for the 21st century when it kicks off in early 2020.

Football is America’s favorite sport boasting over 85 million fans but the traditional season is just too short. Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the void, Vince McMahon, XFL Founder and Chairman announced on January 25, 2018, the launch of a new league, which he is personally funding. McMahon is building the XFL with the same commitment and resolve that he has demonstrated building WWE into a global media and sports entertainment powerhouse.

Delivering authentic, high energy football for the whole family at an affordable price, the XFL will offer fast-paced games with fewer play stoppages and simpler rules. The league will launch with eight teams, 40-man active rosters, and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game. Each contest will be a high-profile event with tens of thousands of fans, featuring innovative elements that bring them closer to the players and the game they love. The XFL will also establish a health, wellness and safety program that meets the needs of today’s athletes.

The XFL will embrace the latest on and off-field technology, providing live game coverage, content and real-time engagement across multiple platforms, giving fans greater access than ever before. We will build strong grassroots relationships with local organizations in our Host Cities through social responsibility partnerships, and the XFL will enjoy the support of WWE’s many extraordinary resources and promotional capabilities.

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