United Football League Unveils 2026 Vision Introducing New Markets and Team Rebrands
United Football League Expands with New Franchises for 2026 Season
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – October 7, 2025 – The United Football League (UFL) is set to enhance its footprint in American sports with the announcement of three new franchises that will officially debut in the spring of 2026. This expansion comes as the league approaches its third season, marking a significant milestone in its growth and popularity.
New UFL Franchises Set to Ignite Fan Excitement
The inaugural teams will be strategically located in prominent cities known for their passionate sports cultures:
- Columbus, Ohio – Columbus Aviators will call the Historic Crew Stadium home, previously the venue for Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS).
- Louisville, Kentucky – Louisville Kings will play at Lynn Family Stadium, shared by Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC.
- Orlando, Florida – Orlando Storm will take to the field at Inter&Co Stadium, shared with Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride.
These new franchises are set to engage fans in energetic atmospheres, emphasizing what the UFL defines as an authentic game day experience.
Renamed Legacy Teams and New Venues Enhance the League
The UFL is also rebranding two of its legacy teams:
- The Arlington Renegades will be rebranded as the Dallas Renegades and play at Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas.
- The Houston Roughnecks will become the Houston Gamblers, relocating to Shell Energy Stadium, the arena for the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash.
The name changes reflect an effort to better align with their respective fanbases and bring a fresh energy to the competition.
UFL Leadership Emphasizes Commitment to Community and Growth
Mike Repole, co-owner of the UFL and a pivotal figure behind its business operations, expressed enthusiasm for these significant developments. “We’re excited to bring professional football to communities that live and breathe sports,” he stated. With backing from prominent partners like FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Repole is focused on steering the UFL toward long-term success.
Restructured League Format and Future Announcements
Beginning in the 2026 season, the UFL will transition to a unified eight-team league structure. The top four teams will thus compete for playoff slots after the regular season, offering an exciting new format for fans.
Head coaches for the three new teams, along with fresh uniform designs for all teams, will be announced shortly. The complete 43-game schedule for the 2026 season is expected to be released soon, with kickoff scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2026.
Season Ticket Information for Enthusiastic Fans
Season ticket memberships for the new franchises are now available for purchase, allowing fans to secure their spots early:
- Columbus Aviators
- Louisville Kings
- Orlando Storm
Current season ticket holders should watch for updates from the league regarding their membership status. Deposits for Dallas Renegades and Houston Gamblers are also being accepted.
For additional details and to purchase season tickets for existing markets or new franchises, fans can visit Emegypt.
