UFL REVEALS NEW TEAMS FOR 2026 SEASON
The United Football League has, as expected, revealed details of its 2026 programme and the first major step forward in its rejuvenation.
Following last week’s news that the teams in Memphis, Detroit and San Antonio were to be phased out on the grounds of having unsuitable venues for a league determined to find an appropriate scale for its future, three new franchises have now been unveiled in their stead: Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm.
Each of the newcomers will debut in the spring of 2026 when the UFL kicks off its third season since forming out of the merger of USFL 2.0 and XFL 3.0 ahead of the 2024 campaign. The new teams will be located at Historic Crew Stadium, the former home of MLS side Columbus Crew; Lynn Family Stadium, home of the USL’s Louisville City FC and NWSL’s Racing Louisville FC; and Inter&Co Stadium, home of the MLS’ Orlando City SC and NWSL’s Orlando Pride.
In addition to the reveal of three new teams, their colours and logos, the league also announced updated team names and new venues for two legacy teams. Next season, the Arlington Renegades will revert to once again become the Dallas Renegades ahead of a move to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas of the MLS, while the Houston Roughnecks will be renamed as the Houston Gamblers in deference to the old USFL outfit when they relocate to Shell Energy Stadium, home of the MLS’ Houston Dynamo FC and NWSL’s Houston Dash.
“Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League,” said UFL co-owner Mike Repole, who now leads league business operations through his private equity firm, Impact Capital. “Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We’re proud to bring professional football to these communities — in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come.”
Repole joined the UFL ownership group in July 2025, aligning with FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, Dany Garcia, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and is tasked with steering the league’s business strategy, brand development and long-term growth after a tough couple of years attempting to establish a viable spring league where so many previous attempts stumbled.
“We’re heading into this season with new teams, new markets, new venues and a renewed energy that reflects the momentum building around this league,” Repole concluded.
The new teams join current United Football League teams in the multiple spring league champion Birmingham Stallions, reigning UFL champion DC Defenders and perennial contenders the St. Louis Battlehawks, as well as the rebranded Houston and Dallas franchises.
Significantly, beginning with the 2026 season, the teams will no longer be divided into two conferences, but will compete as a united eight-team league with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs at the conclusion of the regular season.
Head coaches for the three new teams will be announced in the near future, along with new uniform designs for all eight teams. The 43-game 2026 schedule, which will kick off on Friday 27th March, will be unveiled at a later date.
As part of its new vision, the UFL has also unveiled a revised version of its logo, taking a truer cue from a football than its previous icon.
