Dive into XFL Week 1 highlights & discover how WWEs football league aims to captivate fans during the NFL offseason. A slow yet strategic start awaits.
The XFL’s Quest for Football Continuity and Betting Appeal
The XFL, WWE’s ambitious football league, embarked on its journey to fill the void left by the NFL’s offseason, offering fans a fresh alternative during the long, football-less months. With its 2020 reboot, the XFL has not only embraced sports betting with open arms but has also aimed to integrate it more deeply into its fabric than ever before, signaling a new era for the league that first attempted to capture the hearts of football enthusiasts back in 2001.
The XFL originally launched in 2001 and was rebooted in 2020, aiming to provide football during the NFL offseason and integrating sports betting more deeply than previous alternative leagues. Unlike the XFL, the United Football League (UFL) completed its 2025 season with a 10-week regular season and a two-week postseason, with games broadcast on major networks such as FOX, ABC, and ESPN, reflecting the growing presence of alternative football leagues on mainstream media. Sportsbooks initially set conservative betting limits for XFL games, such as $1,000 on sides and $500 on totals, reflecting cautious optimism and uncertainty about the league’s betting market potential. Jeff Sherman, VP of oddsmaking at Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, noted that while XFL games were available in sportsbooks, they were given lower priority compared to top college basketball games, indicating the league’s current lower standing in the sports betting hierarchy. The XFL’s more scoring-friendly rules have been credited with improving the quality of play compared to the short-lived Alliance of American Football (AAF), which also attempted to integrate sports betting but operated in a less favorable legal environment.
Unlike its predecessor and the short-lived AAF, which also tried to cozy up to the sports betting world, the XFL has entered a landscape where sports gambling enjoys broader legal acceptance across the United States. This pivot towards embracing national sports gambling is a strategic move, hoping to make the league more attractive by intertwining the excitement of football with the thrill of betting.
Initial Reactions and Betting Limits
The inaugural weekend for the XFL showcased its eight teams across four games, providing a first glimpse into the league’s appeal and the potential for betting activity. Sportsbooks, cautiously optimistic, set betting limits lower than usual to gauge the market’s response. With $1,000 limits on sides and $500 on totals, the fluctuating odds reflected the market’s uncertainty and excitement. Despite the cautious approach, the reception among bettors and oddsmakers alike was one of cautious curiosity, waiting to see how the league’s dynamics would unfold.
Jeff Sherman, VP of oddsmaking at Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, noted that while the XFL games were broadcasted in sportsbooks, priority was given to top college basketball games, indicating the league’s current standing in the sports betting hierarchy. However, he acknowledged an improvement in the quality of play over the AAF, attributing it to the XFL’s more scoring-friendly rules.
Challenges and Potential for Growth
Despite the initial intrigue, the XFL faces the challenge of maintaining momentum and interest, especially with March Madness on the horizon. The massive appeal of college basketball’s premier tournament could overshadow the fledgling football league, making it difficult for the XFL to capture and retain the betting community’s attention. However, if the XFL can navigate through this upcoming lull and continue to engage fans, it may solidify its place in the sports calendar as more than just a temporary diversion.
The innovations and production quality of the XFL games have been well-received, suggesting that there is a niche audience ready to embrace the league. Starting the season in April, after the March Madness frenzy, could be a strategic move for future seasons, potentially offering a smoother entry into the sports landscape.
Betting Beyond Football: Circa Sports’ Expansion into Colorado
In related sports betting news, Circa Sports announced a 15-year partnership with Century Casinos, marking its expansion into Colorado. This move positions Circa Sports as a significant player in the emerging sports betting market outside of Nevada, promising competitive odds and an attractive product for bettors. The ability to register and fund betting accounts remotely, a departure from Nevada’s in-person requirements, is expected to draw in customers seeking convenience and value.
The anticipation for the Masters Tournament has also stirred the betting community, with fluctuating odds reflecting early betting patterns. High-profile players like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Tiger Woods are among the favorites, while Phil Mickelson’s recent performances have prompted adjustments in his odds. Meanwhile, MLB’s spring training has brought its own share of betting activity, with the Dodgers’ acquisition of Mookie Betts and David Price prompting adjustments in future odds.
As the XFL strives to carve out its niche, the intertwining of sports and betting continues to evolve, offering fans and bettors alike new opportunities to engage with their favorite games. The coming months will be crucial for the XFL as it seeks to establish itself as a viable football and betting destination beyond the NFL season.
