The new XFL has unveiled its 2020 schedule, which starts with a matchup between the Seattle Dragons and DC Defenders on ABC, sister network ESPN announced on Tuesday.
The Defenders will be led by former Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Cardale Jones, kicking off at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Fox gets the second afternoon game that day, when the Houston Roughnecks host the Los Angeles Wildcats.
Find the revived NFL alternative’s full schedule 2020 here.
ABC will televise 14 games with most telecasts starting at 2 p.m. ET on Saturdays. ESPN and ESPN2 will combine to carry eight games, all on Sundays.
The XFL 2.0’s inaugural season will run exactly 79 days, with the league championship scheduled for April 26 on ESPN.
The eight-team XFL is divided into two four-team divisions, East (DC Defenders, New York Guardians, St. Louis BattleHawks and Tampa Bay Vipers) and West (Dallas Renegades, Houston Roughnecks, Los Angeles Wildcats and Seattle Dragons).
McMahon announced the XFL’s relaunch back in January 2018, promising a “fan-centric, innovative experience” that includes “shorter, fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment.” The first edition of the XFL was a disaster for McMahon and NBC, which aired the league’s only season in 2001. The original XFL was beset by poor play and even worse TV ratings — in 2001, NBC did not yet have “Sunday Night Football” which aired on ESPN at the time.