The XFL announced Wednesday it will return in 2023 after opting against a formal partnership with the Canadian Football League.
"While our discussions with the CFL did not ultimately lead to a collaboration, the effort reinforced our belief and commitment to developing the XFL for international spring football," the XFL said in a statement, according to Jai Nokes of XFL News Hub.
The CFL and XFL entered into merger talks in March after both leagues canceled their 2020 seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The XFL was forced to end its first campaign since 2001 after completing half of its scheduled 10-week season and filed for bankruptcy. Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital purchased the league for $15 million in August.
"We have acquired the XFL," Johnson said. "With gratitude and passion I've built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our XFL."
A targeted return for spring 2022 was announced in October, but plans were put on hold while the XFL and CFL explored a partnership.
The XFL's 2020 lineup of teams included the St. Louis Battlehawks, Tampa Bay Vipers, New York Guardians, Seattle Dragons, Los Angeles Wildcats, D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, and Dallas Renegades.