UFL CULL, REBUILD BEGINS WITH THREE TEAMS
The rumoured reshaping of the United Football League has begun with three existing teams being wiped from the spring league map.
As free agency opened ahead of the 2026 season, the beleaguered operation announced that is was ‘departing’ from the Detroit, Memphis and San Antonio markets as part of a new focus on playing in venues more suited to the, often disappointing, crowd numbers seen during the 2025 campaign — in which the Michigan Panthers emerged as runners-up after losing to the DC Defenders in June’s championship game.
In a general statement that was also parroted to fans in each of the affected markets, UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon insisted the decision to start over in different host cities had been ‘difficult’ and ‘disappointing’, but claimed that the move chimed with the vision of its new management, headed up by Mike Repole.
“The United Football League is committed to delivering the most accessible and innovative football experience every spring,” Brandon’s statement began. “This offseason, in partnership with our new ownership group, we’ve refreshed our vision for the league with a focus on playing in more intimate venues that will deliver the ultimate game day atmosphere.
As part of this process, we conducted a thorough review of all markets and venues. After careful consideration, we’ve made the difficult decision to depart from the Memphis, Michigan, and San Antonio markets. Unfortunately, the stadium options currently available do not align with our new vision. We know this is disappointing – we feel it too.”
In an addendum to the general statement, fans of each of the three culled teams were told ‘We are deeply grateful for everything you’ve given to this team. Thank you for being a fan and being part of this spring football journey’.
Repole, who was announced as the UFL’s newest investor in late July revealed plans to not only stabilise the current product, but expand it to involve as many as 16 teams, also expressed his sympathies to the affected fanbases via social media.
“For the leadership team and me, this has been a very difficult decision,” he wrote. “But, if the league is going to survive and thrive in the long term, tough choices must be made and made quickly. I deeply sympathise with the fans and communities in Memphis, Michigan and San Antonio. However, having the right venues is absolutely essential to the league’s future success. If venue opportunities arise that meet our criteria in these markets, we will give serious consideration to returning.”
The UFL has said that further details regarding new markets and venues will be shared later this week week.