What channel is Sea Dragons vs. Defenders on today? Time, TV schedule for XFL Week 1 game
After a nearly three-year hiatus with 1,077 days between games, the XFL officially returns this weekend with four games to open the 2023 season.
Prime-time Week 1 action concludes as the Seattle Sea Dragons travel to the nation’s capital for a Sunday night showdown against the DC Defenders.
The matchup features some recognizable names for football fans, most notably in the Sea Dragons’ reception room with Josh Gordon. Contested former NFL All-Pro Gordon had stints with the Browns, Seahawks, Patriots, Chiefs and Titans before making the leap to the XFL. Gordon will try to get back on the NFL radar with his performance during the 10-game schedule.
He has to deal with former Cowboys night out sensation Ben DiNucci throwing the ball. DiNucci famously became an internet meme, earning hero status for his early November appearance on Sunday Night Football as a starter in the 2020 season when Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton were both sidelined with injuries. The former seventh-round draft pick’s arm strength and mobility should be interesting to watch against a non-NFL defense.
On the other side, the defenders are led on offense by running back duo Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead. Former Baylor star Smith is expected to lead the backfield, especially after being selected with the first pick in this year’s XFL draft. Armstead previously played for the Jaguars before retiring from the league after a long battle with COVID-19.
The spring football season is here and odds makers are expecting a close game to wrap up the opening weekend. Here’s a complete guide to watching Sea Dragons vs. Defenders on Sunday, including the start time and TV channel for the XFL week one schedule.
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What channel is Sea Dragons vs Defenders on today?
The XFL Week 1 game between the Sea Dragons and the Defenders will air on ESPN in 2023. ESPN and The Walt Disney Company acquired exclusive broadcast rights to the league in 2022 and signed a five-year deal.
All games will be available on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and FX. Cord cutters can stream XFL on ESPN+ and fuboTV, which offer a free trial to new subscribers.
Start time for Sea Dragons vs. Defenders
- Date: Sunday February 19th
- Begin: 8 p.m. ET.
The Sea Dragons vs. Defenders game begins Sunday, February 19 at 8:00 PM ET. The Week 1 Matchup will be held at Audi Field in Washington DC
XFL schedule today
Sunday February 19th
| Match | start time | TV channel | Live broadcast |
| Battle Hawks vs. Brahma | 3 p.m. ET | ABC | ESPN+, fuboTV |
| Sea Dragons vs. Defenders | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN | ESPN+, fuboTV |