Fans have been betting on sports for as long as they have been consuming them and the XFL is the first organization to simply embrace that.
While the likes of MLB and the NFL spent years fighting in court to stop sports betting, the XFL kicked off its reboot by consulting with bookmakers on new rules and encouraging media partners to infuse gambling into broadcasts. XFL betting might be just getting off the ground, but it appears it is already ahead of the game when it comes to sports gambling. Now, the question becomes, is that enough to help an inferior product remain relevant in the eyes of the casual fan.
As numerous states have begun to legalize sports gambling, more and more businesses are looking for the opportunity to cash-in, both figuratively and literally by whatever means necessary.
Instead of shying away from the gambling industry, the XFL has is determined to "embrace the spread," literally showing the over/under and lines on the broadcast.
"This notion of embracing the spread," XFL president Jeffrey Pollack said, "means that our mission, our design and our business infrastructure are all geared to the sports betting future that's coming fast.
"We see a lot of pros to leaning into the sports betting world," he added. "It's what our fans want. We don't see cons, we see opportunity."
For years, play-by-play announcers like Brent Musburger and Al Michaels slyly worked gambling references into broadcasts. "Some baskets are more meaningful than others," Musburger might say in regards to a basket that affected the spread. Michaels is known to describe a late score that pushes the game over the total as "overwhelming."
There are no veiled references, though, in the XFL games. Instead, announcers aren't hiding anything, and the odds are front and center.
One thing is for sure, the launch of the XFL means there is football to watch through the spring, and the new league features several notable former NFL players on team rosters. The league is also hoping new players emerge that will end up on NFL rosters heading into training camp.
Quarterback Cardale Jones is known by many football fans for his college career at Ohio State before playing for the Bills and Chargers in the NFL. Jones is leading the D.C. Defenders’ offense in the XFL. D.C. head coach Pep Hamilton believes Jones has a chance to turn his XFL opportunity into another chance in the NFL.
AP Photo/Will Newton
Outside of betting, there is some intrigue, but it certainly has gotten off to a slow start. The XFL has worked to involve fans as much as possible in brand decisions and hopes this can help stabilize the league. In October, the XFL launched its Fan Advisory Network, which allows supporters to weigh in on changes made by the league around game rules and in-stadium experience.
“We’ve provided a cost-effective quality product that will build fan bases and turn them into brand ambassadors,” Brian Cooper, president of the Houston Roughnecks, said. “We want to be the answer to what a family of four is going to do on a weekend.”
So, if you are ready to dive into the action, there are plenty of methods to do so, including daily fantasy which USA Today provides a weekly breakdown of.
