The XFL is back with every game of the 2023 XFL season exclusive to ESPN, beginning Sunday February 19.
Australian and New Zealand fans can witness all the action from an exciting new version of the XFL, with a packed 12-week program of matches from the revolutionary new league.
The ANZ audience will be able to experience all XFL games exclusively live on the ESPN App*, with the majority of games also live across ESPN and ESPN2.
The XFL will introduce new rules to the sport, with the focus on faster, more entertaining action for the viewer.
The new season will see eight teams compete for the championship – six returning from the 2020 XFL season, and two brand new franchises – Arlington Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Orlando Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks, Seattle Dragons, DC Defenders, Vegas Vipers and San Antonio Brahmas.
Fans will also see a number of new and exciting rules which includes innovative changes in the areas of clock management, play reviews and late game possession designed to improve gameplay and enhance the fan viewing experience.
Popular rule innovations such as tiered extra points and double forward passes will carry over from the 2020 season. Teams will also continue to line up five yards apart on kickoffs, as they did in 2020, which resulted in fewer injuries and a 92% return rate.
Among the new game enhancements is an extra possession option, where in addition to an onside kick at any point during the game, teams may now attempt to retain possession by converting a 4th and 15 play from their own 25-yard line in the fourth quarter only.
This season the XFL is also introducing a first-of-its-kind, centralized ‘command center’ for instant replay review and officiating led by Dean Blandino, Vice President of Officiating and Playing Rules Innovation.
The fully cloud-based instant replay program offers live integration during replay reviews and oversight of officiating discrepancies during all 43 XFL games.
ESPN will deliver comprehensive coverage of the 2023 XFL season to sports fans around the world through ESPN-branded platforms and distribution partners.
XFL Opening Week Schedule–
Sunday February 19
7am AEDT, Vegas Vipers vs Arlington Renegades, ESPN2
12.30pm AEDT, Orlando Guardians vs Houston Roughnecks, ESPN App*
Monday February 20
7am AEDT, St Louis BattleHawks vs San Antonio Brahmas, ESPN2
12pm AEDT, Seattle Dragons vs DC Defenders, ESPN2
Four XFL games live across the opening week across ESPN App* and ESPN2
*Streaming functionality on the ESPN App and ESPN.com.au is available to ESPN channel subscribers via Foxtel, Fetch TV and SKY NZ who enter their platform credentials. (Note: Kayo subscribers cannot stream via the ESPN App or ESPN.com.au). Download the ESPN App from the Apple and Android app stores.
ESPN and ESPN2 are available on Foxtel, Fetch TV, Kayo Sports and Sky NZ.
Media Release – ESPN
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