MM 8.4: XFL set to relaunch under new ownership group

An investing group that includes actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has agreed to purchase the XFL for a reported $15 million dollars.

The XFL, which made its long-anticipated return in 2020, declared bankruptcy on April 13 following the cancellation of its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After seeking a buyer for the previous four months, the league has found one in Johnson, business partner Dany Garcia and Redbird Capital Partners, though the sale must be approved by a bankruptcy judge at a hearing Friday.

With the new prospective ownership group already beginning to make plans to play next season, several former Terps could be returning to the XFL gridiron. Seven Maryland alumni occupied roster spots across the league’s eight teams last season, with only Florida (8), Oklahoma (9), Auburn (10) and LSU (10) having more of its former players on rosters.

Though Cavon Walker, a former defensive tackle for the New York Guardians, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, the likes of Taivon Jacobs, Tre Watson, Levern Jacobs II, Michael Dunn, Nick Novak and Derrick Hayward all played in the shortened season and could represent the Terps in the newest era of XFL football. However, it’s unclear whether 38-year-old Novak wants to continue his playing career.

In other news

Lila kicked off our preview of Maryland football’s linebacker group with her overview on the position heading into the 2020 season.

The Testudo Times women’s basketball bracket madness is down to the final and Thomas dove into their careers.

Former Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue set the example for DMV guys to stay at home and make it to the pros, and urges others to do so.

Maryland women’s basketball got back in the gym Monday.

Maryland women’s lacrosse midfielder Emma Schettig will officially transfer to Notre Dame.