XFL Returning To NJ In 2020, Games To Be Played At MetLife

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The XFL is returning to North Jersey.

The new professional football league is again backed by World Wrestling Entertainment and its CEO, Vince McMahon.

McMahon on Wednesday unveiled the eight inaugural cities and stadiums that will host teams when the league debuts in 2020, including a New York franchise that will play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

McMahon, the league's chairman, and XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck are focusing on creating a type of football that is faster than the NFL's product. Minimizing idle time and speeding up the game are some of the areas. Less stall, more ball, according to the league's website.

McMahon is expected to invest close to $500 million in the league it's first three seasons, according to ESPN.com.

Former New York Giants defensive coordinator and ex-Wayne resident John Fox is an advisor to the league.

The league will have a 10-game season beginning in February. Four of the eight teams will make the playoffs, which consists of two semifinal games and a championship game. All teams will be owned by the league.

Tickets can already be reserved for games at East Rutherford, or in any one of the XFL's seven other cities: Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Washington, D.C.

The New York/New Jersey Hitmen were the XFL's local team for its lone season in 2001 when they played at the old Giants Stadium. They went 4-6 and missed the playoffs.

Social media users commented about the XFL returning to the area after the announcement was made. A few of them suggested team names.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Wally Richardson of the New York/New Jersey Hitmen runs with the ball during the game against the Chicago Enforcers in 2001 during the previous XFL's lone season. By Jonathan Daniel/Allsport