STWF Sports | ARLINGTON, Texas | Jan. 5, 2026 — As the United Football League prepares to launch its third season, the league unveiled a comprehensive and innovative player selection and team allocation process designed to stock rosters, support expansion franchises, and preserve competitive balance across all eight teams.
The centerpiece of the process will be the 2026 UFL Draft, scheduled for January 13–14 at UFL headquarters in Arlington, Texas. The multi-stage system reflects the league’s evolving footprint and growing ambitions as it enters a season that will include three new markets and an expanded national spotlight.
“As we work toward fulfilling our bold vision for the United Football League that includes new markets, new teams, and new stadiums, presenting a dynamic product on the field remains the cornerstone of this league,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “In order to stock our teams with talent—especially our three new teams—and to ensure competitive balance throughout the league, we have laid out an innovative selection process that will lead to an exciting brand of football this spring.”
The UFL will once again feature eight teams in 2026: the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and the St. Louis Battlehawks. Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando will make their league debuts when the season kicks off Friday, March 27, beginning a 10-week regular season followed by a two-week postseason culminating in the UFL Championship Game.
A Three-Part Player Selection Process
The league’s player allocation system will unfold in three distinct phases, each designed to address specific roster needs while creating parity across teams.
Quarterback Draft (Jan. 9):
The process begins with a quarterback-focused draft held remotely on January 9. Head coaches will evaluate available quarterbacks alongside the league’s centralized scouting department, emphasizing stability and leadership at the sport’s most critical position. Selections will be announced publicly on January 12.
Regional College Allocation (Jan. 10):
On January 10, teams may select up to three players from a pool of regionally allocated colleges. The UFL Player Personnel Department will define regional boundaries to ensure fairness, while teams retain right of first refusal on players from their allocated colleges throughout the season. Like the quarterback draft, selections will be revealed on January 12.
UFL Draft (Jan. 13–14):
The main draft will take place over two days at UFL headquarters in Arlington. Day one will focus on players who finished the 2025 season on active rosters or injured reserve, allowing teams to retain continuity while reshaping positional depth. Teams may protect up to 12 players on a Reserve List, shielding them from selection.
Selections on Day One will be made by positional group, including offensive linemen, skill positions, defensive front seven, defensive backs, and specialists.
Day Two will shift to free agents, encompassing NFL draft-eligible players, recent NFL camp participants, UFL showcase attendees, and other unsigned prospects. An “Open” round will allow teams to fill remaining roster needs regardless of position.
Draft Order and Roster Limits
Draft order will be determined by a virtual lottery conducted by UFL Football Operations, with all rounds utilizing a snake format to balance opportunity. Teams may select between 60 and 62 total players, including three quarterbacks, up to three college allocations, and up to 12 reserve players. Training camp rosters will be capped at 64 players, with additional free-agent signings permitted after the draft.
As the UFL expands into new markets and refines its talent pipeline, the 2026 selection process signals a league focused on sustainability, balance, and opportunity—key ingredients as spring football continues to carve out its place on the American sports calendar.
