Looks like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has more in common with his ambitious “Ballers” character, Spencer Strasmore than viewers thought.
Announced Monday, an investor group — that includes the former WWE wrestler — has purchased the XFL for about $15 million, according to ESPN. The professional league, previously owned by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, has had some difficulty finding a new owner after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year. Although scheduled for auction, Johnson along with his business partner — Dany Garcia and RedBird Capital Partners — have acquired the XFL.
With my trail blazing partner @DanyGarciaCo & Red Bird Capital, we have acquired the XFL.
With gratitude & passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand.
Excited to create something special for the fans! #XFL #fullcircle pic.twitter.com/LprJ6HjglD— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 3, 2020
“The acquisition of the XFL with my talented partners, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale, is an investment for me that’s rooted deeply in two things — my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans,” said Johnson. “With pride and gratitude for all that I’ve built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football.”
While working to buy the XFL, Johnson has been busy shooting blockbuster films and executive producing “The Titan Games,” a sports competition reality show, among other things.
“We are grateful for today’s outcome,” XFL president and chief operating officer Jeffrey Pollack said in a statement. “This is a Hollywood ending to our sale process and it is an exciting new chapter for the league. Dwayne, Dany and Gerry are a dream team ownership group and the XFL is in the best possible hands going forward.”