The XFL returning was always going to be an expensive venture especially considering there is now a better understanding of where investment needs to be directed.

Vince McMahon, who is largely funding the relaunch himself was believed to have put in around $100 million but really that figure is nowhere near what he is actually investing.

ESPN reports that Vince McMahon has told insiders that he has invested around $500 million, “People were focused on the $100 million, but the truth is that doesn’t even get us to the 20-yard line,” XFL CEO Oliver Luck told ESPN.

The players, coaches and trainers will be the biggest cost with top players expected to earn around $75,000 but this could increase if their demand is more. During the first run of XFL players were paid around $45,000 so there has been a sizable increase in salary

McMahon will also have to contend with huge insurance premiums which will cost around $10 million a year, and then there is, of course, all the live sporting event costs.