Editing Paintball Sports Promotions (section)

=== Independent circuit and X-Ball, 2003–2005 ===

For 2003, NPPL, Inc. announced a separate seven-player series. PSP continued five-player and ten-player tournaments while adding X-Ball. Both organisations initially used the NPPL name, reflecting competing claims to its ownership and historical use.[3]

The original NXL began professional franchise-based X-Ball competition in 2003, with matches held alongside PSP tournaments. PSP also offered divisional X-Ball outside the professional franchise structure.[3][4]

The Mardi Gras Open hosted the opening NXL competition in 2003 and 2004. Although produced by PSP, it was a stand-alone tournament outside the five-event PSP series.[6]

World Cup moved to Disney's Wide World of Sports in 2003. Its programme included five-player, ten-player, divisional X-Ball, collegiate competition and the NXL championship. Philadelphia Americans won the inaugural NXL championship.[4]

Professional NXL competition and PSP divisional X-Ball remained distinct. Boston Red Legion entered the NXL for 2005 after competing successfully in PSP X-Ball in 2004. The NXL's 2004 championship final also received television coverage on ESPN2.[5]