ARLINGTON, Texas (October 7, 2025) — The United Football League (UFL) is reshaping its future, announcing a bold new vision for 2026 that includes three new franchises, two team rebrands, and a unified league structure. The changes mark the most significant evolution in the league’s short history and signal a renewed commitment to sustainable, fan-focused growth.

New Markets, New Energy

The UFL will officially welcome three expansion franchises next spring:

• Columbus Aviators (Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH)

• Louisville Kings (Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY)

• Orlando Storm (Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL)

These new teams replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas, each of which competed during the league’s first two seasons.

“These cities are football towns,” said Mike Repole, co-owner of the UFL and head of business operations through Impact Capital. “They have passionate sports communities, modern venues, and the right infrastructure to deliver an incredible fan experience. We’re building something long-term here — not just teams, but traditions.”

Repole, who joined the UFL ownership group in July 2025 alongside FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, Dany Garcia, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, is leading the league’s strategic overhaul, emphasizing market sustainability, fan engagement, and brand identity.

“This is a step forward in building a league that reflects the energy and passion of the fans who love spring football,” Repole added. “We’re heading into this new era with momentum and a clear vision.”

Legacy Teams Reborn

Two of the UFL’s cornerstone franchises are also undergoing identity shifts to better reflect their regional fan bases and operational strategies.

• The Arlington Renegades will officially become the Dallas Renegades, relocating to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas.

• The Houston Roughnecks will rebrand as the Houston Gamblers, reviving the name from the city’s USFL franchise and moving to Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash.

Both moves align with Repole’s plan to place UFL teams in smaller, high-energy soccer-specific venues, improving both the in-stadium atmosphere and financial sustainability.

“Soccer venues bring fans closer to the action,” Repole said. “The game-day energy, sightlines, and intimacy of these stadiums are ideal for spring football.”

Unified League Structure

For the 2026 season, the UFL will eliminate conference divisions, opting instead for a single, unified eight-team format. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs following the 43-game regular season, which begins March 27, 2026.

This streamlined structure is expected to enhance competition, simplify scheduling, and create more consistent rivalries across the league.

The 2026 team lineup includes:

Looking Ahead: Coaches, Kits, and Kickoff

Head coaches for the three new teams — Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando — will be announced in the coming weeks, alongside new uniform designs and branding for all eight franchises.

The 2026 season is expected to showcase a modernized look for the league, integrating fan feedback, local partnerships, and enhanced media coverage across FOX, ESPN, and streaming platforms.

The UFL also opened season ticket deposits for fans in all markets, with immediate availability for the new teams and the rebranded Dallas Renegades and Houston Gamblers. Fans can secure their seats at www.theUFL.com.

Current season ticket members in markets affected by venue changes will receive additional communication within 24 hours.

A League Built for the Future

The rebrand and expansion mark a new chapter for the United Football League — one built on stability, fan connection, and vision.

“This isn’t just about adding teams,” Repole emphasized. “It’s about building the foundation for professional spring football that lasts. We’re investing in the fans, the markets, and the experience. The best is yet to come.”

As the UFL looks toward its 2026 kickoff, one thing is clear: the league is positioning itself not merely as an alternative to the NFL, but as a permanent fixture in the American football landscape — bold, united, and ready for takeoff.