XFL Suspends Operations, Lays off All Employees Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

One month after canceling the regular season, the XFL has suspended operations and laid off all of its employees because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, XFL COO Jeffery Pollock said employees were informed of the decision on Friday. 

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo added the XFL will pay employees through Sunday, but beyond that, it's unclear when or if the league might return. 

When the XFL canceled the remainder of its 2020 season, the league's official statement said it was "committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years."

Vince McMahon, best known as the chairman and CEO of WWE, relaunched the XFL this year. He was expecting to spend around $500 million through the first three seasons on employee salaries at all levels and to build the brand. 

The XFL was made up of eight teams that were expected to play a 10-week regular season, with the top two teams in each division advancing to the playoffs. The championship game was scheduled to be played on April 26.