The XFL announced its 10-game regular season schedule for 2023. A 10-week season starting from February 18 will run through April 22, consisting of 40 regular-season games, followed by three playoff games. The 10 regular season games were followed by the North Division and the South Division Championship games. The Championship game is set to be played between the Arlington Renegades and the DC Defenders. Get a complete overview of the XFL 2023 Championship schedule.
- XFL Final Schedule
- XFL Final Preview
- Arlington Renegades vs. DC Defenders - Head to Head
- XFL Final: Gameday Experience
- Key Players to Watch
- XFL Final Predictions
- XFL 2023 Regular Season Schedule
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Week 3
- Week 4
- Week 5
- Week 6
- Week 7
- Week 8
- Week 9
- Week 10
- Key Dates and Events
- Where is the XFL Championship game in 2023?
- FAQs
XFL Final Schedule
The XFL Championship will be played on Sunday, May 13 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The game will air on ABC.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV | Live Stream |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 May | D.C. Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades | 8:00 PM | ABC | Fubo |
XFL Final Preview
In an unexpected turn of events, the upcoming title game in the XFL will feature an unlikely matchup between the Renegades and D.C. The Renegades were the only team in the postseason with a losing record of 4-6 but managed to finish second in the South Division. Despite being beaten twice by the Houston Roughnecks during the regular season, they pulled off a shocking upset by defeating them 26-11 in the playoffs to earn a spot in the final. Meanwhile, D.C. has been the dominant team throughout the XFL season, losing just one game in the regular season and easily defeating a strong Seattle Sea Dragons team in the North Division Championship.
Looking ahead to the title game, there are several factors to keep an eye on. Both teams will be eager to secure the championship trophy, and the Renegades will be hoping to continue their underdog story. However, D.C. will be determined to maintain their strong form and prove that they are the best team in the league. It should be an exciting and unpredictable match, with both sides showcasing their skills and fighting for victory.
Arlington Renegades vs. DC Defenders - Head to Head
The Arlington Renegades and the D.C. Defenders have only played against each other once so far, which was on April 16, 2023, in Washington, D.C. The Defenders managed to take an early lead in the game and maintained their advantage throughout the match, ultimately winning by a score of 28-26 despite a strong comeback attempt by the Renegades. While many of the statistical metrics favored the Renegades, the Defenders emerged victorious, giving them a 1-0 lead in the head-to-head matchup.
The Defenders have the edge with a win over their Championship opponents in the regular season.
XFL Final: Gameday Experience
The XFL final is schedule to take place at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. XFL fans can expect a lot to happen before the matchup with tailgate parties and merchandise shops around the stadium. The Fan Fest is a lively event with a DJ, food trucks, prizes, games, and photo opportunities, as well as areas for pre and post-game food and drink. The Beer Snake is a popular tradition at home games where fans make a snake out of used beer glasses. Additionally, fans can attend a team or league-sponsored tailgate party with music, food, and drinks, as well as merchandise for sale. During games, an in-house DJ and host will engage with the crowd and there will be a 10-minute halftime with the home team coach's speech or interviews with coaches and players shown on the stadium's video board.
Key Players to Watch
Key players for the Arlington Renegades in the current season include:
- De'Veon Smith, who has rushed for 365 yards, with a longest run of 18 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
- Sal Cannella, who has been the main receiver for the team, catching 41 passes for 393 yards, with his longest reception being 31 yards.
- Joe Powell, who has been a major contributor on the defensive side, with 4 interceptions returned for 164 yards, including one impressive 90-yard return.
To put it simply, Smith has been a dependable running back, Cannella a reliable receiver, and Powell a standout on defense.
Here are the key players for the D.C. Defenders along with their stats:
- Jordan Ta’amu (Quarterback): Completed 143 passes for 1,894 yards, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 14 to 3. He also rushed for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Abram Smith (Running back): Rushed for 778 yards, including the longest run of 70 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
- D’Eriq King (Running back): Added 5 rushing touchdowns and 102 rushing yards.
- Chris Blair and Lucky Jackson (Wide receivers): Combined for more than 60 receptions, totalling 1,167 yards and 8 touchdowns.
- Davin Bellamy (Defensive end): Recorded 5.5 sacks.
- Andre Mintze (Defensive end): Added another 4.5 sacks.
In the lead-up to the championship game, the D.C. Defenders have had numerous outstanding contributions from key players. Jordan Ta’amu has been their top quarterback, completing 143 passes for 1,894 yards, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 14 to 3. He has also been a reliable runner, with 298 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Abram Smith has been the standout running back, amassing 778 yards with 7 touchdowns, while D’Eriq King has contributed another 5 rushing touchdowns and 102 rushing yards. The team's top wide receivers, Chris Blair and Lucky Jackson, have combined for over 60 receptions, 1,167 yards and 8 touchdowns. On the defensive side, Davin Bellamy and Andre Mintze have been crucial with 5.5 and 4.5 sacks respectively.
XFL Final Predictions
Although the D.C. Defenders have a better overall record, the Arlington Renegades are known for their resilience and fighting spirit. The Renegades will need their defense to perform exceptionally well in order to have a chance at winning the final, as evidenced by their playoff win against the Houston Roughnecks. On the other hand, the Defenders are a strong team with a skilled coach and talented players on both offense and defense. They have demonstrated consistency throughout the season, but will need to maintain this level of play to finish the season on a high note.
Final Score Predictions:
DC Defenders 34 - Arlington Renegades 17
XFL 2023 Regular Season Schedule
Take a look at the full 10-week schedule and matchups for the 2023 XFL season:
Week 1
| Saturday, Feb. 18 | Vegas Vipers at Arlington Renegades | 3 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, Feb. 18 | Orlando Guardians at Houston Roughnecks | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, Feb. 19 | St. Louis Battlehawks at San Antonio Brahmas | 3 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, Feb.19 | Seattle Sea Dragons at D.C. Defenders | 8 p.m. ET |
Week 2
| Thursday, Feb. 23 | St. Louis Battlehawks at Seattle Sea Dragons | 9 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, Feb. 25 | D.C. Defenders at Vegas Vipers | 7 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, Feb. 26 | San Antonio Brahmas at Orlando Guardians | 4 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, Feb. 26 | Arlington Renegades at Houston Roughnecks | 7 p.m. ET |
Week 3
| Saturday, March 4 | Seattle Sea Dragons at Vegas Vipers | 7 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 5 | St. Louis Battlehawks at D.C. Defenders | 1 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 5 | Orlando Guardians at Arlington Renegades | 4 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 5 | San Antonio Brahmas at Houston Roughnecks | 8 p.m. ET |
Week 4
| Saturday, March 11 | Houston Roughnecks at Orlando Guardians | 7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 11 | San Antonio Brahmas at Seattle Sea Dragons | 10 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 12 | Arlington Renegades at St. Louis Battlehawks | 4 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 12 | Vegas Vipers at D.C. Defenders | 7 p.m. ET |
Week 5
| Thursday, March 15 | Houston Roughnecks at Seattle Sea Dragons | 9 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 18 | D.C. Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks | 7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 18 | Orlando Guardians at Vegas Vipers | 10 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 19 | Arlington Renegades at San Antonio Brahmas | 10 p.m. ET |
Week 6
| Saturday, March 25 | Seattle Sea Dragons at Orlando Guardians | 1:30 pm. ET |
| Saturday, March 25 | St. Louis Battlehawks at Vegas Vipers | 7 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, March 26 | San Antonio Brahmas at Arlington Renegades | 3 p.m. ET |
| Monday, March 27 | Houston Roughnecks at D.C. Defenders | 7 p.m. ET |
Week 7
| Friday, March 31 | Seattle Sea Dragons at Arlington Renegades | 7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 1 | St. Louis Battlehawks at Houston Roughnecks | 3 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 1 | San Antonio Brahmas at Vegas Vipers | 6 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 2 | D.C. Defenders at Orlando Guardians | 7 p.m. ET |
Week 8
| Saturday, April 8 | Vegas Vipers at St. Louis Battlehawks | 1 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 8 | Arlington Renegades at Orlando Guardians | 4 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 9 | Houston Roughnecks at San Antonio Brahmas | 3 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 9 | D.C. Defenders at Seattle Sea Dragons | 7 p.m. ET |
Week 9
| Saturday, April 15 | Vegas Vipers at Houston Roughnecks | 12:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 15 | Orlando Guardians at San Antonio Brahmas | 7 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 16 | Arlington Renegades at D.C. Defenders | Noon ET |
| Sunday, April 16 | Seattle Sea Dragons at St. Louis Battlehawks | 3 p.m. ET |
Week 10
| Saturday, April 22 | Orlando Guardians at St. Louis Battlehawks | Noon ET |
| Saturday, April 22 | D.C. Defenders at San Antonio Brahmas | 3 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 23 | Houston Roughnecks at Arlington Renegades | 3 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, April 23 | Vegas Vipers at Seattle Sea Dragons | 9 p.m. ET |
Key Dates and Events
The 2023 XFL season officially kicked off all the way back in November of 2022 as the XFL Draft was held from November 15 to 17. Prior to this, an official XFL player combine was held on June 18.
With the turn of the calendar started the on-field work for the players with training camp beginning on January 8, 2023, with the regular season officially starting on February 18, 2023.
The regular season is scheduled to wrap up deep into April with the final regular season games taking place on the 23rd of April, 2023.
The XFL playoffs will take place over the final weekend of April, with the respective Divison games taking place on April 29 and April 30.
The finals, or the XFL Championship Game, emanating from the Alamodome in San Antonio, is scheduled to take place on May 13, officially concluding the 2023 XFL season.
Where is the XFL Championship game in 2023?
The final XFL game of the season will take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. It is taking place between the South Division winners, the Arlington Renegadesand the North Division winners, the DC Defenders.
When is the XFL Championship game in 2023?
The XFL Championship game, scheduled to take place in the Alamodome to crown the champion of the 2023 XFL season will take place live on May 13, 2023, officially concluding the 2023 XFL season.
Arlington Renegades (5-6) vs. D.C. Defenders (10-1)
Saturday, May 13, at 8 p.m. ET
Alamodome in San Antonio or the ABC Network
When did the XFL season start and end in 2020?
The revamped XFL in 2020 had a schedule similar to the one that the 2023 iteration has maintained. The league was divided into two divisions, East and West, with each team playing ten games with no bye weeks. The schedule included two games against each division rival and one against each team in the opposite division.
The regular season began, as per schedule, on February 8, 2020. The season was scheduled to go into April, with the final regular season games to take place on April 12, 2020. However, with the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the league had no choice but to shut down just a week into March with the final game taking place on the 8th of March.
What was the XFL playoff format in 2020?
The initial, 2001 version of the XFL was using a crossover approach for its playoffs in which teams would face opponents from the opposite division. The revamped, 2020 version was to feature four teams, two from each division.
The playoffs would feature two division games, with the top two teams within each division facing off, and the winners set to take part in the eventual championship game. The game was scheduled to take place at the tail-end of April, with the game emanating from the TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas on the 26th of April.
How does the XFL schedule compare to the NFL schedule?
The XFL is scheduled for a ten-week season with each team playing a game each week, ensuring a compact season. In comparison to the NFL, which has a 17-week schedule, the XFL has a shorter schedule. With the league in its first season, only time will tell if the league will increase its season schedule with growing popularity.
How did the XFL decide on the schedule format for the 2023 season?
The XFL decided to keep a similar format as the 2020 league. However, it was decided that the two divisions would be North and South, allowing the three Texas teams to be divisional rivals.
Each team was designed to have a ten-game schedule with no bye weeks.
This schedule would ensure that each team faced off twice against each division rival and an additional game against each team in the other division.
The postseason format was kept the same, with four teams participating in two Division games, with the winners going on to face in the XFL Championship game.
