As the National Arena League (NAL) Owners Meetings wrap up in Las Vegas, league leadership has been laying the groundwork for the NAL’s future. While additional announcements are on the horizon, the league is proud to reveal the first major update: the official acceptance of the Dallas Bulls as the NAL’s third expansion franchise, set to join the league in the 2026 season.
“When we announced Amarillo as our first expansion franchise, we made it clear more teams were coming,” said NAL Commissioner Brandon Ikard. “Here at the Owners Meetings, we finalized those plans, and there was no better moment to share this news.” Ikard added that more expansion announcements will be rolled out in the coming weeks as the NAL continues its strategic nationwide growth.
The Dallas Bulls name brings a storied legacy in arena football, tracing back to the Dallas–Fort Worth area in the 1990s. Reviving the brand for 2026 places the Bulls in one of the nation’s largest sports markets—already home to major teams in the NFL, NBA, and NHL.
Majority Owner Doc CS Hudson, who represented the Bulls during the meetings, shared his enthusiasm: “I’m truly honored to receive today’s decision from the league’s board, a group I hold in the highest regard. The Bulls look forward to hosting our local press conference soon—and we plan to do it Dallas-style… BIG.”
The Bulls will be based in Northeast Texas, creating an in-state rivalry with the Amarillo Warbirds and a regional rivalry with the Louisiana Rouxgaroux. Dallas and the Rouxgaroux are separated by less than three hours along the I-20 corridor, setting the stage for an intense matchup both fan bases will eagerly anticipate.
