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X League (women's football)

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This article is about the American women's tackle football league. For other uses, seeX League.

Extreme Football League
Most recent season or competition:
2025 X League season
FormerlyLingerie Football League (2009–2012)
Legends Football League (2013–2019)
SportWomen's American football
Founded2009;15 years ago(2009)
First season2009
Owner(s)Mike Ditka
CEOMitch Mortaza
No. of teams8
CountriesUnited States
HeadquartersLos Angeles,California
Most recent
champion(s)		Chicago Blitz(2022; 1st title)
Most titlesChicago Bliss(4 titles)
Official websitexleague.live

TheExtreme Football League(X League) is a women'ssemi-professionalindoor American footballleague operating in the United States. The league was originally founded in 2009 as theLingerie Football League(LFL), and later rebranded as theLegends Football Leaguein 2013.[1]

On December 13, 2019, the league announced that it would not be holding a 2020 season[2]and that it had instead restructured under its current name, placing new teams mostly in the same locations as the 2019 LFL season.[3]The league also did not operate during 2021, amid theCOVID-19 pandemic.The X League's eight-team 2022 season spanned June to September, concluding with the restructured league's inaugural championship, the X Cup, won by theChicago Blitz.

Since 2021, the league is owned byMike Ditka,[4]a formerNational Football League(NFL) player and an inductee of thePro Football Hall of Fame.[5]Samantha Gordonwas also named an owner in May 2022.[6]

The league is scheduled for return in 2025, in a hybrid format of tackle andflag football.

History

[edit]
Referees and players during the All-Fantasy Game, Sydney, 2012

LFL

[edit]

2009–2012

[edit]

The concept of the league originated from an alternativeSuper Bowlhalftimetelevision special called theLingerie Bowl,apay-per-viewevent broadcast opposite the Super Bowl halftime show.[7]

In 2009, league chairman Mitch Mortaza expanded the concept from a single annual exhibition game to a ten-team league, branded as theLingerie Football League,orLFL.The league operated on a similar schedule to theNational Football League(NFL), playing in fall and winter and played most of its games indoors with similar rules toindoor football.Many of the teams were coached by former NFL players and coaches who were already well known in their respective cities. Many of the LFL players had a background in other competitive athletics at the college and semiprofessional level, as well as some experience in tackle football from playing in other semiprofessional leagues.[8]

The initial uniforms consisted of shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, performance wear, andice hockey-stylehelmetswith clear plastic visors in lieu of face masks. The original uniforms of the Lingerie Football League consisted of an athleticbraand underwear that were more revealing than protective, as well as added lace, ribbons, andgartersas decoration. While these uniforms were routinely criticized by media, players' reactions were typically mixed on the use of the uniforms, comparing the similarities in coverage totrack and fielduniforms orbeach volleyball bikinis.[8]

Expansion and rebranding: 2012–2019

[edit]
In the LFL, players were allowed to wear make-up or face paint. Picture shows a Victoria Maidens player.

After three seasons, the league announced it was adding a companion league in Canada that began play in August 2012. It then pushed back the US season to 2013 on a spring and summer schedule, mirroring other indoor football leagues.[9]

During the hiatus, the league announced it would change its name to theLegends Football League,retaining the LFL initials, on January 10, 2013. The league also announced that the athletes would wear "performance apparel" instead of lingerie, but the uniforms look very much the same as before.[10]In addition to the new uniforms, redesigned shoulder pads were introduced to provide more protection for players. Other league changes included eliminating images of sexy women from team logos and changing the league tagline from "True Fantasy Football" to "Women of the Gridiron".[1]Along with the rebrand of the league in 2013, the league also began changing the uniforms as the originals were too heavy on sex appeal, initially dropping the ribbons and garters. The league designed new ones for the 2014 season closer to more traditionalactivewear,resembling uniforms similar to volleyball players, replacing the ribbons with shoelaces on the front of the top and bottom.[10]

The LFL then began looking into a Latin American league with six franchises throughout Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina.[11]On September 16, 2013, the LFL postponed the entire 2013 LFL Canada season until 2014 with plans to merge the US, Canada, and Mexico teams into a single league called LFL North America.[12][13]

The LFL then formed another league in Australia in December 2013 and played one season. LFL Australia's debut season in the beginning of 2014 marked the debut of the new performance wear uniforms. The LFL planned to launch a fourth global league – LFL Europa – in 2015 with teams inDublin(Ireland),Manchester(England),DüsseldorfandHamburg(Germany).[14]Barcelona(Spain) andFrankfurt(Germany) had previously been mentioned as potential franchise cities.[15]With four global leagues, the league announced intentions to compete in aLFL World BowlinSão Pauloin 2015.[15]By July 2014, the league planned a three leagues: LFL Americas, LFL Europa, and LFL Oceania.[16]On June 10, 2015, the LFL announced that there would be no international play through at least 2017 with sole focus on growing the league in the US, the exception being international exhibition games to introduce prospective countries to the league.[17]

The LFL announced new uniforms with new colors for the 2016 season. Numbers and logos were printed on the uniform as opposed to previously being sewn on. In addition, the league also announced that teams would have a choice ofcamouflageor black alternates.[18]In 2017, the league also added a long pants uniform in lieu of the regular bikini bottom for the final home games.[19]

Extreme Football League

[edit]

Hiatus and restructuring: 2020–present

[edit]

On December 13, 2019, the league announced that it would not be producing a 2020 season and would re-evaluate markets in the future.[2]Four days later, the LFL was restructured into the Extreme Football League, which was announced to begin play in April 2020.[20]The league size remained at eight teams, which initially were all in the same markets as the former LFL teams, but under new team identities.[3][21]TheNashville Knightswere the only team listed in the X League announcement to not change names, but they were replaced by theKansas City Forcein January 2020.[22]As part of the league restructuring, it began offering ownership stakes to its players and coaches based on the individuals contributions and commitment to the organization, as well as revenue distribution program for merchandise featuring an individual player's likeness.[23][24]The league also said it was to use 70-yard fields in a press release, although this was never implemented. The league implements a new uniform with full pads.[25]

The league's first season was postponed to a scheduled start in June 2020 due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[26]In May, it had been announced that it was postponed again to April 2021.[27]During the hiatus, the league announcedMike Ditkahad been named owner and chairman of the league,[28][29]with plans on expanding into 24 US markets.[30]The season was ultimately cancelled on May 18, 2021, pushing the league's relaunch to the summer of 2022 due to the pandemic.[31]

The 2022 season began on June 10 with theChicago Blitzfacing theKansas City Force.[32]After a nine-week regular season with a total of seven games, four teams advanced to the playoffs, with the Blitz capturing the first X Cup title on September 10 when they defeated theAtlanta Empire.[33]

The league did not announce plans for a 2023 season and later updated their website with plans to announce a 2024 schedule in October 2023.[34][35]This was later updated again to indicate a 2025 schedule, to be announced October 15, 2024.[36]

Rules

[edit]
All-Fantasy Game in Sydney, 2012

Playing style isfull-contactand similar to otherindoor footballleagues. There are seven players from each team on the field during play. The field is 50 yards betweenend zones,30 yards wide, and the end zones are 8 yards deep, roughly the same as other indoor leagues. Many fields are just over 28 yards wide, as games are often played in convertedNational Hockey League-sized rinks (85 feet wide), with the plexiglass removed,dasher boardspadded, and ice surfaces covered with artificial turf.[37]

There are nokickoffs,except the option for an on-side kick should the game be close near the end, norfield goals;halves and after scores begin on team's own 15-yard line.[38]Kicking off after every scoring drive was added before the 2013 Pacific Cup, but was removed shortly after the first game of the LFL Australia season. A team must attempt to get a firstdownon every fourth down, or they risk a turnover. After atouchdown,a team can attempt a one-point conversion from the one-yard line, or atwo-point conversionfrom the three-yard line. Since 2015, teams are given the option topuntif within their own 10 yard line; the ball is placed on the 15 or wherever it went out of bounds if the punt is not returned.[39]

A game consists of four ten-minute quarters and a 12-minute halftime (30-minute halftime in championship). In the event of a tie, an extra 8 minutesudden deathperiod is played; whoever scores first wins the game. If still tied, the game ends as a draw, and counts as tie for both teams in the standings. In postseason games, multiple 10-minute sudden death overtime periods are played until one team scores, which wins the game and advances to the next round or wins the championship. Teams get two timeouts per half or overtime period.[39]

Reception

[edit]

The league was met with criticism throughout its existence. Critics say the league degrades female athletes through "pernicious objectification".[40]The uniforms received extensive criticism for their revealing nature. In an ESPN article, Sarah Spain, the co-host of espnW, wrote, "After watching these women play, I can honestly say I respect the heck out of them as athletes, but I'll still never respect the Lingerie Football League, no matter what name they give it."[41]

LFL players with experience intrack and fieldcompetitions noted that the typical LFL uniform is comparable to other uniforms, with Elizabeth Govrick of the Minnesota Valkyrie stating she "ran track and I was wearing, you know, stuff if not close to almost smaller than what I'm wearing out on the football field. You take beach volleyball, you take volleyball, you take other sports where it's pretty much the same thing."[42]Adrian Purnell of the Jacksonville Breeze said that the outfits were only for marketing purposes.[43]Heather Furr, a quarterback for the Chicago Bliss said "I think with little girls watching the game... if they can see past the uniform and see us as role models, then that's what I want."[41]Abbie Sullivan of the Cleveland Crush stated, "Just because we play in the LFL does not mean we promote promiscuity. We are smart females. We are athletes who take care of our bodies. We are the total package." Similarly, Toledo Crush player Marija Condric stated, "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sit down and watch. You'll forget what we are wearing and you will be thinking about how hard that girl got hit on that last play."[44]

Other players are quoted as viewing the uniforms as a necessary evil, with one saying, "Maybe one day, girls won't have to wear lingerie to get people interested [in women's football]."[45]Liz Gorman, a player with the Jacksonville Breeze, stated she would rather wear a conventional uniform: "I mean, I don't like it. You'd rather wear full clothing. I have a bunch of scrapes on me."[46]

The league was accused in its earlier years of fining players for wearing too many clothes, as well as not paying medical bills for injured players.[47]However, the league responded by claiming that fines were given because the equipment worn was in direct conflict with the league's sponsored gear.[48]

The league also prohibited players from commenting on personnel matters, a rule that prompted the vast majority of theToronto Triumph,including team captainKrista Ford,to quit in protest in October 2011.[49]Originally a professional league with players receiving a cut of net revenue, Mortaza stopped paying his players beginning in the 2011 season and converted the league into an amateur organization; players must also pay for their own health insurance.[50]League founder Mortaza admitted at one point the league was marketed toward "mostly beer-drinking college students aged 21 and up."[51]

Safety

[edit]
A player of NSW Surge in standard uniform with shoulder pads, knee/elbow pads, and hockey helmet

The league received many complaints from players in regards to safety. Since the uniforms covered very little skin, the players are more susceptible to injury. Ex-lingerie football player Nikki Johnson was one of the many players who experienced injuries in her time in the league including injuries sustained from hard hits and a broken wrist that required surgery.[52]

Teams

[edit]

Current

[edit]
Team City Venue First season
Arizona Red Devils[53] Mesa, Arizona Legacy Park TBD†
Atlanta Empire[54] Duluth, Georgia Gas South Arena 2022
Austin Sound[55] Cedar Park, Texas H-E-B Center
Chicago Blitz[56] Rockford, Illinois BMO Harris Bank Center
Denver Rush[57] Loveland, Colorado Budweiser Events Center
Kansas City Force[58] Independence, Missouri Cable Dahmer Arena
Los Angeles Black Storm[59] Irvine, California Championship Soccer Stadium
Seattle Thunder[60] Kent, Washington accesso ShoWare Center

† The Red Devils were scheduled to debut during the 2022 season, but did not compete.

Former teams

[edit]

X League

[edit]
Never played
Team City Venue Stated to debut
Nashville Knights Nashville, Tennessee Nashville Auditorium 2020
Omaha Red Devils Ralston, Nebraska Ralston Arena 2020

LFL US

[edit]
Team City Venue First season Last season
Atlanta Steam Duluth, Georgia Infinite Energy Arena 2013 2019
Austin Acoustic Cedar Park, Texas H-E-B Center 2016 2019
Baltimore Charm Baltimore, Maryland Royal Farms Arena 2010–11 2014
Chicago Bliss Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Bridgeview, Illinois		 Sears Centre Arena
SeatGeek Stadium		 2009–10 2019
Cleveland Crush Cleveland, Ohio Quicken Loans Arena 2011–12 2013
Dallas Desire Grand Prairie, Texas
Dallas, Texas		 QuikTrip Park
Cotton Bowl		 2009–10 2010–11
Frisco, Texas Dr Pepper Arena 2016
Denver Dream Commerce City, Colorado Dick's Sporting Goods Park 2009–10
Loveland, Colorado Budweiser Events Center 2017 2019
Green Bay Chill Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin		 Resch Center
U.S. Cellular Arena		 2011–12 2014
Jacksonville Breeze Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena 2013 2014
Las Vegas Sin Paradise, Nevada
Ontario, California		 Orleans Arena
Thomas & Mack Center
Citizens Business Bank Arena		 2011–12 2015
Los Angeles Temptation Los Angeles, California
Ontario, California		 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena
Toyota Arena		 2009–10 2019
Miami Caliente Sunrise, Florida
University Park, Florida		 BankAtlantic Center
FIU Stadium		 2009–10 2010–11
Minnesota Valkyrie Minneapolis, Minnesota Target Center 2011–12 2013
Nashville Knights Nashville, Tennessee Nashville Municipal Auditorium 2018 2019
New England Liberty Manchester, New Hampshire Verizon Wireless Arena 2016
New York Majesty Reading, Pennsylvania Sovereign Center 2009–10
Omaha Heart Ralston, Nebraska Ralston Arena 2013 2019
Orlando Fantasy Orlando, Florida UCF Arena
Florida Citrus Bowl		 2010–11 2011–12
Philadelphia Passion Trenton, New Jersey
Chester, Pennsylvania		 Sun National Bank Center
PPL Park		 2009–10 2013
Pittsburgh Rebellion Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Highmark Stadium 2017
San Diego Seduction San Diego, California San Diego Sports Arena 2009–10 2010–11
Seattle Mist Kent, Washington ShoWare Center 2009–10 2019
Tampa Breeze Tampa, Florida Tampa Bay Times Forum 2009–10 2011–12
Toledo Crush Toledo, Ohio Huntington Center 2014
Toronto Triumph Toronto, Ontario Ricoh Coliseum 2011–12
Never played
Team City Venue Stated to debut
Arizona Scorch Scottsdale, Arizona
San Francisco Seduction Daly City, California Cow Palace 2009
St. Louis Saints St. Charles, Missouri Family Arena 2013
Washington Warriorettes Washington, D.C. Capital One Arena 2016

LFL Canada

[edit]
Team City Venue Operated
BC Angels Abbotsford, British Columbia Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre 2012
Regina Rage Regina, Saskatchewan Brandt Centre 2012
Saskatoon Sirens Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Credit Union Centre 2012
Toronto Triumph Mississauga, Ontario Hershey Centre 2012
Never played
Team City Venue Stated to debut
Calgary Fillies Calgary, Alberta Stampede Corral 2013

LFL Australia

[edit]
Team City Venue Joined
New South Wales Surge Penrith, New South Wales Centrebet Stadium 2013–14
Queensland Brigade Gold Coast, Queensland Skilled Park 2013–14
Victoria Maidens Melbourne, Victoria AAMI Park 2013–14
Western Australia Angels Perth, Western Australia nib Stadium 2013–14
Never played
Team City Venue Stated to debut
Adelaide Arsenal Adelaide, South Australia Coopers Stadium 2014–15

Seasons

[edit]

2009–2010

[edit]
Main article:2009–10 LFL season

Ten teams played in the inaugural2009–2010 LFL season.[61]The league schedule ran from September 4, 2009, to January 29, 2010, with one game each Friday.[62]Teams played one game each against the other four teams in their conference. The top two teams in each conference advanced to the conference championship games held on February 4, 2010, in Miami, and the conference champions played in Lingerie Bowl VII on February 6, 2010. The Western ConferenceLos Angeles Temptationdefeated the Eastern ConferenceChicago Blissby the score of 27–14.[63]

Los Angeles Temptation players, 2009

2010–2011

[edit]
Main article:2010–11 LFL season

For the 2010–2011 season, the LFL added new franchises inOrlandoandBaltimore,while the New York Majesty and Denver Dream suspended operations. The 2011 Lingerie Bowl was held inLas Vegas, Nevada,on February 6, 2011. The Western Conference champion Los Angeles Temptation defeated Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Passion, 26–25.[64]

The 2011 All-Fantasy Game was held inHamilton, Ontario,on July 30, 2011, atCopps Coliseum.[65]Trailing 18–6 in the second half, the Eastern Conference rallied to win, 24–18, over the Western Conference. Anonka Dixon, quarterback for the Orlando Fantasy, was awarded offensive MVP for her 3 touchdown passes and game-winning rushing touchdown, while Liz Gorman, a safety with the Tampa Breeze, was named defensive MVP.[66]

2011–2012

[edit]
Main article:2011–12 LFL season
The logo of the Lingerie Football League

The LFL accepted five expansion franchises – theCleveland Crush,Green Bay Chill,Las Vegas Sin,Minnesota Valkyrie,andToronto Triumph,while theDallas Desire,San Diego Seduction,andMiami Calientesuspended operations. The season kicked off on August 26, 2011, and culminated with Lingerie Bowl IX on February 4, 2012. The LFL Eastern and Western Conference championship games were played back-to-back on January 28, 2012, atCitizens Business Bank ArenainOntario, California.For the second straight year, theLos Angeles Temptationwon the Western Conference championship while thePhiladelphia Passionwon the Eastern Conference championship, setting up a rematch in the 2012Lingerie Bowlof the previous year's championship game. The 2012 Lingerie Bowl was played atOrleans ArenainLas Vegas,in the afternoon prior to the start ofSuper Bowl XLVI.[67][68]The Los Angeles Temptation won its third consecutive Lingerie Bowl with a 28–6 victory over Philadelphia Passion. The Temptation's Ashley Salerno and Amber Reed were co-MVP's, with Salerno throwing three touchdown passes and Reed scoring two rushing touchdowns.[69]

In 2012, the LFL expanded its annual "All-Fantasy" game into a three-game international series, with one game inMexicoand two games in Australia.[70][71]The Mexico All-Fantasy Game took place on May 5, 2012, at thePalacio de los DeportesinMexico City;the Western Conference defeated the Eastern Conference, 37–7.[72]The second match of the "2012 LFL All-Fantasy Tour" took place inBrisbane, Australia,on June 2, 2012, at theBrisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre;the Western Conference again emerged victorious, this time by a 45–36 score.[73]The Western Conference took a 3–0 series sweep with a 31–24 victory in the third and final "All-Fantasy" match inSydney, Australia,on June 9, 2012, atAllphones Arena.[74]Queenslandnative and wide receiver for theLos Angeles TemptationChloe Butlerserved as the ambassador of LFL Football coming to Australia and captained the Western Conference squad. The LFL then helped found theLadies Gridiron Leaguein Australia to serve as a minor league for the announced LFL Australia expansion.[75]

2012 Canada

[edit]
Main article:2012 LFL Canada season

For the2011–12 LFL United States season,the All-Fantasy Game was played inHamilton, Ontario.This was due in part to the league's announcement that in 2012 there would be a Canadian Lingerie Football League. LFL Canada was originally scheduled for a twelve-week season with teams in six markets.[76]

On September 28, 2011, it was announced that, in addition to theToronto Triumphwho began play in LFL United States, LFL Canada's other five markets would consist ofVancouver,Calgary,Edmonton,Quebec City,andMontreal;ironically, none of those five markets would actually get an LFL franchise.[77]On February 9, 2012, the LFL announced thatAbbotsford, British Columbia,would be the next Canadian city to host a team in the League.[78]The franchise played its home games at theAbbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centreand competed in the Western Division of LFL Canada. On February 20, 2012, the LFL announced that the franchise would be named theBC Angelsfollowing the results of an online fan vote.[79]The decision for Abbotsford to host a team sparked some controversy, including expressed concern from at least one city councilor, as "Abbotsford is a deeply religious agricultural community."[80]

On February 22, 2012, the LFL announced thatRegina, Saskatchewan,would be the next Canadian city to host a team in the League. Home games would be played at theBrandt Centre.[81]On March 6, the LFL announced that the franchise would be named theRegina Rageafter an online fan vote.[82]

Six days later, on February 28, the LFL announced thatSaskatoon,Saskatchewan, would join Regina as LFL Canada's second team in the Wheat Province. Home games would be played at theCredit Union Centre.[83]Upon releasing theSaskatoon Sirens' logo and colors, the league announced that LFL Canada was set at four teams for the 2012 season, with the league playing an eight-game schedule, scheduled to end with Lingerie Bowl I Canada the week before the Grey Cup.[84]

The 2012 LFL Canada season began on August 25, 2012, and culminated with Lingerie Bowl Canada I on November 17, 2012, between theSaskatoon Sirensand theBC Angelsat theAbbotsford Entertainment & Sports CentreinAbbotsford, British Columbia.The BC Angels won the inaugural championship game 25–12 with BC Angels' quarterback Mary Anne Hanson and receiver Aleesa Garcia named as the game's MVPs.[85]

On December 15, 2012, the first annual Pacific Cup was played between the Seattle Mist of LFL US and the BC Angels of LFL Canada. Dubbed the 'Border War', the game was hosted by the Seattle Mist at theShoWare CenterinKent, Washington,with home venues alternating each season.[86]

2013 season

[edit]
Main article:2013 LFL US season
Logo as the Legends Football League
Los Angeles Temptation vs Seattle Mist in Action in Los Angeles – May 4, 2013

The league delayed the next LFL US season from fall/winter 2012 to April 2013 in order to shift to a spring/summer schedule and to focus on the 2012 LFL Canada season.[87]

Main article:2013 LFL Canada season

On June 27, 2013, the 2013 LFL Canada schedule was released. LFL Canada accepted one proposed expansion team, theCalgary Fillies;their home games would be played at theStampede Corral.[88]Meanwhile, theToronto Triumphsuspended operations for the 2013 season, bringing the number of LFL Canada teams back to four.[89]On September 16, 2013, the LFL then postponed the entire 2013 LFL Canada season until 2014.[13]

However, the BC Angels were expected to participate in the second-annual Pacific Cup, an exhibition game between the Angels and LFL US'sSeattle Mistscheduled for December 2013.[90]On October 3, it was announced that the Angels would be replaced in the game by the LA Temptation, citing not enough preparation. The Pacific Cup was played at ShoWare Center on December 6, 2013.[91]Several key players from the Angels joined the Mist while a few key players from Las Vegas Sin joined the Temptation.[92]

2013–14 Australia

[edit]
Victoria Maidens players discuss their strategy

Following the two All-Fantasy games held in Australia in 2012, LFL Australia premiered in December 2013. Prior to the playing a game, the LFL's deal with theLadies Gridiron League(LGL) fell through and the LGL no longer served as a minor league to the LFL. The New South Wales Surge, Queensland Brigade, Victoria Maidens, and Western Australia Angels participated in the inaugural 2013–14 LFL Australia season.[93]The LFL AustraliaLegends Cupwas played on February 8, 2014, atnib StadiuminPerth,Western Australia.[94]

On March 23, 2014, LFL Australia accepted one proposed expansion team, the Adelaide Arsenal, with home games to be played at theCoopers Stadium.[95]However, on September 29, the 2014–2015 season was cancelled due to the lack of a broadcast partner with competition planned to resume in 2015–2016 including an expansion into New Zealand.[96][97]

In February 2015, it was revealed that the players and coaches had actually left after disputes and issues with LFL management, namely commissioner Mortaza. Players and coaches left and joined theLadies Gridiron League,originally a subsidiary of the LFL now operating as its own league.[98]

2014 season

[edit]
Main article:2014 LFL US season

In the 2013 offseason, the LFL announced that thePhiladelphia PassionandMinnesota Valkyriehad suspended operations for the 2014 LFL US season.[99]

It was also announced that theCleveland Crushwere moving toToledo, Ohio,and play its home games at theHuntington Center.[100]

2015 season

[edit]
Main article:2015 LFL US season

2016 season

[edit]
Main article:2016 LFL US season

On September 16, 2015,Austin, Texas,received an expansion team for 2016 to play at theCedar Park Centerand the name was announced as theAustin Acoustic.On November 2, it was announced thatDallas, Texas,would rejoin the league in 2016 after being on hiatus since the end of the 2010–2011 season, retaining theDallas Desirename, atDr Pepper Arena.TheLas Vegas Sinthen suspended operations.[101]A team was also added for New England bringing the league's total to eight teams.

During the season, New England was forced to forfeit its final game as injuries caused the team to have below the minimum number of players needed to field a team. Seattle won a three-way tie with Dallas and Los Angeles for the best record in the Western Conference while Chicago had the best record in the Eastern Conference. Chicago and Atlanta advanced to the playoffs in the East while Seattle and Dallas advanced in the West. Chicago and Seattle won their Conference Championships and advanced to the Legends Cup in a rematch of both the previous championship and a meeting earlier in the season though with the opposite result of those two prior matches. The season ended on August 27, 2016, with theChicago Blissdefeating theSeattle Mist31–26 to win their thirdLegends Cup.The championship game was played atWestWorldinScottsdale, Arizona.[102]

2017 season

[edit]
Main article:2017 LFL US season

The 2017 season began with new teams at Pittsburgh and Denver replacing New England and Dallas. Three teams (Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle) completed the regular season with perfect 4–0 records, a first in LFL history. Chicago and Atlanta advanced to the playoffs from the East while Seattle and Los Angeles advanced in the West. Atlanta upset Chicago in the Eastern Conference Championship, their first victory against the Bliss following seven consecutive defeats. In a war of unbeatens, Seattle bested Los Angeles in the Western Conference Championship. The season ended on September 3, 2017, as theSeattle Mistbeat theAtlanta Steam38–28 in the Legends Cup, played at theCitizens Business Bank ArenainOntario, California,to cap off their perfect 6–0 season to go with their second LFL title.[103]

2018 season

[edit]
Main article:2018 LFL US season

2019 season

[edit]
Main article:2019 LFL US season

The 2019 season was the tenth and final season of the Legends Football League. It began April 5 and concluded on August 10.[104]

2022 season

[edit]
Main article:2022 X League season

Following a regular season reduced to two games per team, theChicago Blitzdefeated theAtlanta Empirein the first X Cup championship game, 19–12.[33]

2023-2024

[edit]

Initially, the league's website stated tickets would be "on sale October 2023"[105]and "2024 schedule released October"[106]but in October these were changed to "December 2023". In December 2023 they would again be changed, this time to "Coming soon" instead. In February 2024, the league announced it has pushed back its restart from the 2024 season until May 3, 2025, with the schedule to be announced in October 2024.[107]

Media

[edit]
Sports reporters interviewing LFL players

Broadcasts

[edit]

In 2010,MTV2licensed the broadcast rights to 20 regular season and two conference playoff games and aired highlights of those games on a program entitledLFL Presents: LFL, Friday Night Football on MTV2.For the 2011–12 season, MTV2 also broadcast the championship game, in addition to presenting the games in their entirety and broadcasting them live at 9:00 PM ET.[108]

In 2013, the league began airing their games exclusively online on a week-delayed basis, releasing their games every Saturday onYouTube.Games are shot in 1080i.[109]

At the start of the 2013–2014 Australia season, LFL signed an agreement with7matein Australia to broadcast games every Saturday night.[110]

In 2015,Fusebecame the exclusive broadcaster of LFL games in the United States.[111]Games are broadcast on a week-delay basis on Saturday nights, and are later uploaded to YouTube on Fridays. In the Fall,Oxygenpremiered the reality series,Pretty. Strong.,which focuses on the lives and careers of theChicago Bliss.The show was produced byRelativity Television.[112]

For the 2016 season, games were broadcast in select markets on affiliates ofThe CWandMyNetworkTVas well asRegional sports networkson a week-delayed basis.[113]

In 2017,Super Channelbecame the exclusive Canadian broadcaster of all LFL games through the 2019 season. Super Channel used the LFL to launch its "Super Channel SPORTS" sub-brand for all sporting and events and sports-themed programming.[114]Meanwhile,Eleven Sports Networkacquired the broadcast rights to the LFL in the United States.[115]

In May 2022, the league announced onTwitterthat it would be launching a new subscription service called "Fan Pass" to directly stream games live and on-demand.[116]

Fantasy football

[edit]

In 2011, the Legends Football League partnered withFantazzle Fantasy Sportsto present afantasy footballgame for the LFL.[117]It was relaunched in 2013 as "LFL PartyDeck".[118]

Video game

[edit]

In 2012, the Legends Football League teamed with Japanese-basedYuke'sCo. Ltd to design and develop an official LFL game.[119]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^abMitchell, Houston (January 11, 2013)."Lingerie Football League changes name; players to wear uniforms".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJanuary 11,2013.
  2. ^ab"BREAKING: LEGENDS FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHUTS DOWN AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE".Total Pro Sports.RetrievedDecember 13,2019.
  3. ^ab"A NEW ERA IN WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT, THE X LEAGUE".extfl.com(Press release). December 17, 2019. Archived fromthe originalon January 14, 2020 – viaWayback Machine.
  4. ^"Football Icon and Hall of Famer Mike Ditka Takes on Ownership and Named Chairman of X League".xleague.live(Press release). July 14, 2021.RetrievedFebruary 27,2023.
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[edit]
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