As we continue in our efforts to flatten the curve during the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall numbers of infections appears to trend down, and the death rate seems to falling, giving us the faintest glimmer of hope. Though, my faith in the American conviction is tenuous at best. (Only three quarters?)

But conditions continue to claim victims, and sadly, the XFL announced they have ceased operations Friday. As I’ve written about here before, I really enjoyed the XFL, and not simply because it was an alternative two the NFL, (though that helped) and not because it was just football in Spring (who doesn’t love free football?).

But the product was thoroughly enjoyable. It wasn’t Arena League ridiculous, and while fun, that league was never about serious football, it was about the gimmicks. It wasn’t just awful footballlike the AAF, a pro league dressed up in Div. II cosplay. And it wasn’t a USFL terribly run $#*%show. There was great football in that league, but it was doomed from the start by mismanagement.

No, the XFL’s ownership structure and league financing were solid and the league was doing well. They had major broadcast partners, a legitimate investment in the league, and most importantly, there were butts in seats. Fans were actually excited about the product.

Really bummed about this. I got to go to a single @XFLDragons game and it was so, so much fun. Spent the game drinking beer in the stands talking with everyone around me about how we can’t afford to go to NFL games. Sad day. #XFL @xfl2020 https://t.co/bsEu54GZGm— Aubrey Scott (@aubreydscott7) April 10, 2020

Though most teams were the second choice in NFL markets, save St. Louis which is ecstatic to have a team again, most football fans are so desperate for action, they’re coming out and tuning in to a subpar product. The TV ratings were not outstanding by any means, but attendance was good and there was a definite buzz about the product.

But the reality of the pandemic was just too much to bear. Vince McMahon had a huge financial stake in the league, he sold millions in WWE stock to finance it. But the fact is, with no product on the field, no timetable to return, and guarantees made to broadcast partners, something had to give.

And as we’ve seen the major leagues enter an indeterminate hiatus, it was unfortunately just a matter of time for the XFL to fold. Bootstrapped on a tight budget as they were, more than any other league, the XFL needed to be on air and playing in front of crowds. Maybe the NBA and NHL can pause their seasons, or eventually come back without fans, but a brand new league with no marketshare to speak of and no salience of year-to-year regularity?

Not a chance.

I hope that everyone involved, from the quarterbacks, (except that one guy) to the PR flacks in the front office, to the popcorn vendors is able to find a way to survive during these uncertain times. The vendors especially, the non salaried hourly workers are often working two jobs, working nights and weekends as event security guards and concession workers just to make ends meet, are especially vulnerable. While I’m put out by the lack of football, I’m more put out that a safety net is not in place for many of these people.

I will mourn selfishly for the loss of entertaining end zone celebration, but I will mourn for these folks even more.