The XFL Owes University of Houston and Roughnecks Coach June Jones a Ton of Money Following Bankruptcy
By Carter Owen
It's safe to say a majority of football fans were distraught when the XFL announced it was firing all its employees and suspending operations with no plans for a return in 2021. Then came the new of bankruptcy, which ended any shred of hope for good.
However, we're not done just yet.
The University of Houston is one of the largest creditors in the XFL's bankruptcy filing. UH had leased out office space and TDECU Stadium for use by the league-best Houston Roughnecks. The XFL owes them almost $300,000 for those services.
Report: XFL owes University of Houston nearly $300,000. The university's TDECU Stadium hosted games for the Roughnecks.https://t.co/4cCWDIBdMu pic.twitter.com/ZDqkNis3eR
— 247Sports (@247Sports) April 13, 2020
Led by star quarterback PJ Walker, the Roughnecks were the league's only undefeated team at the time of the league's cancellation. Speaking of which, head coach June Jones is also owed a hefty sum by the now-defunct football league -- to the tune of nearly $584,000.
The XFL has filed for bankruptcy. The league owes Roughnecks head coach June Jones nearly $600,000 and owes University of Houston nearly $300,000. (story by @Joseph_Duarte) https://t.co/UfmS5KXLV7
— Matt Young (@Chron_MattYoung) April 13, 2020
What a horrible turn of events. The XFL did everything it possibly could from social media campaigns, television deals, exciting rule changes, and fan-friendly games featuring post-touchdown interviews. The COVID-19 pandemic saw it all come crashing down and it could be quite a while -- if ever -- before we see another professional football league pop up in the US.