February is a bittersweet time for most football fans. The Super Bowl is here, and the high points of the offseason — free agency and the NFL draft — are drawing closer. But February also marks the end of football on our weekends… or does it? That’s right, the XFL season is right around the corner, which means more football!
2023 XFL Season Start Date
The 2023 XFL season kicks off just one weekend after the Super Bowl — Saturday, Feb. 18. The season will run for nearly three months, with 10 weeks of action followed by a semifinals showdown and a championship bout.
The XFL teams include:
- Vegas Vipers
- Arlington Renegades
- Orlando Guardians
- Houston Roughnecks
- St. Louis Battlehawks
- San Antonio Brahmas
- Seattle Sea Dragons
- D.C. Defenders
How Many Games Will Be Played This Season?
A total of 40 regular-season games will be played in the XFL season, followed by two games in the semifinal round and one championship game (43 total). Four games will be played each week, with all eight teams participating.
MORE: 2023 XFL Schedule
Due to the low number of teams and brief schedule (compared to the NFL), there will be no bye weeks during the XFL season.
Are Any XFL Opening Games on National TV?
All opening weekend XFL games will be available to national audiences via streaming on ESPN+. Games will also be broadcast on a combination of ABC, ESPN, and FOX, depending on the matchup.
The full Week 1 schedule is as follows:
- Vegas Vipers at Arlington Renegades
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 18
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
- Orlando Guardians at Houston Roughnecks
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 18
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN, FOX
- St. Louis Battlehawks at San Antonio Brahmas
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 19
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV: ABC
- Seattle Sea Dragons at D.C. Defenders
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 19
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN