What is it the CFL and The Rock are cooking?

The CFL announced on Wednesday  it will “explore opportunities” for alignment with the owners of the XFL–of which Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one.

What that means for the future of the Riders and the CFL is unclear at best.

Commissioner Randy Ambrosie was on the Sportscage to talk about the what is happening and put the notion to bed at this time that this is leading to a merger.

“It’s way to soon to speculate and we have not gone there.” Ambrosie said.

When asked what the XFL can offer the CFL, Ambrosie responded by saying a lot.

“One of the areas where they are remarkably strong is the ability to make connections.” Ambrosie said. “We know one of the things this league needs is to really rebuild our fanbase, especially in our major markets, but really across the country.

In a release from XFL President and CEO Jeffrey Pollack, he states:

“Blending the CFL’s rich heritage with our fresh thinking, and the unique reach and experience of our ownership, could be transformative for the game. We look forward to learning more about what’s possible together with the CFL and where our shared passion takes us.”

The XFL returned in 2020, before folding during the pandemic. In August 2020 a group led by Dwayne “The Rock”  Johnson, longtime business partner Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital bought the XFL’s assets. They had previously announced the league would return to play in 2022.