Tampa To Get XFL Team, Will Play At Raymond James Stadium

TAMPA, FL -- The XFL is back, and Tampa will be one of eight cities to get a franchise, according to an announcement by XFL Commissioner and CEO Oliver Luck at a press conference held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which included representatives from all eight markets

A Tampa XFL team will be part of the relaunched league in February 2020.

The other cities that will also be part of the league are Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Seattle, St. Louis, and New York. The unnamed Tampa team will play at Raymond James Stadium.

A total of 30 cities were interested in an XFL team, and the list was narrowed down to 18 in recent months, the league said.

Team names and logos could be unveiled early next year.

Pro wrestling magnate Vince McMahon is behind the venture, and the league claims it has the budget for a five-year run, according to the Post. The XFL was first launched in 2001, but folded after just one season.

"After months of research and consideration, we're thrilled to announce the cities and venues of the XFL's eight inaugural teams," said Luck. "We are committed to being ingrained in the local community and extremely fortunate that our teams will have world-class facilities to call home."

"As we say in Tampa Bay: It's game day every day," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan, the Tampa Sports Authority representative who flew to New Jersey for the announcement. "We are thrilled to be part of this movement."

Beginning today, fans can go to XFL.com to reserve their season tickets, which will provide them with early access to select their seats and purchase season tickets before the general public.

The new XFL will deliver a fan-centric, innovative experience, including fast-paced games and a family-friendly environment, complemented by cross-platform viewing options and real-time fan engagement.

Seeing a tremendous opportunity to fill the demand for football in the United States, McMahon, announced on January 25, 2018, the launch of a new league, which he is personally funding.

The league will launch with eight teams, 45-man active rosters and a 10-week regular season schedule, with a postseason consisting of two semifinal playoff games and a championship game.

21 Apr 2001: The Los Angeles Xtreme and the San Francisco Demons during the XFL Championship game at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Scott Halleran/Allsport