Early XFL Ratings Data for Defenders-Dragons Kickoff Game is Pretty Impressive

The new and improved XFL made its debut over the weekend, and football fans were clearly eager to see the product on the field.

Curiosity paid off the for league in the form of impressive television ratings for the debut game between the DC Defenders and the Seattle Dragons.

The @xfl2020 on ESPN/ABC is off to a strong start! pic.twitter.com/ZjAzmTLmz9
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 10, 2020

An average of over three million viewers is a huge win for the XFL. Football fans in Ohio sure were interested, according to the ratings, though that was likely due to Cardale Jones lining up under center for the Defenders.

DC Defenders QB Cardale Jones CAME TO PLAY for his @xfl2020 debut. ? pic.twitter.com/1g8PXDmcXo
— XFL on FOX (@XFLonFOX) February 8, 2020

The league looked much more professional than its original iteration, and there was a clear boost in talent compared to last year's Alliance of American Football.

Having several million people tune into a thrilling 31-19 game was a great start for the league. The fact the games are on network television is also hugely beneficial, in the league's infancy.

The XFL had a successful opening week. Now it has to keep the excitement high and carry it over throughout the next several months.