The fallout from COVID-19 continues as the XFL suspended operations on Friday morning.
According to ESPN, the league has laid off nearly all of its staff. Only a handful of executives remain employed and currently, there are no plans to return in 2021.
“Given the uncertainty of the current environment, the XFL has suspended operations and is evaluating next steps,” said WWE CEO/president Vince McMahon and Alpha Entertainment in a statement.
The XFL canceled its season last month after five games due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Then they pledged to return next year.
Reportedly, during a conference call on Friday, XFL COO Jeffrey Pollack changed course and informed employees of the news.
Previously, players were told they would be paid through the end of the regular season; scheduled to end this weekend.
The XFL is the second spring football league to suspend operations before completing its first and final season. The Alliance of American Football (AAF) ran out of money in 2019 and closed after eight weeks of play.
However, the XFL might be the first pro sports league to perish from the effects of the global pandemic.
