United Football League Announces Three New Franchises for 2026

The United Football League announced today that three new franchises will debut in the spring of 2026 when the league kicks off its third season.

The new teams are the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. The Aviators will play at Historic Crew Stadium, former home of the Columbus Crew of the MLS; the Kings will compete at Lynn Family Stadium, home of the Louisville City FC of the USL and Racing Louisville FC of the NWSL; and the Storm will play at Inter&Co Stadium, home of the Orlando City SC of the MLS and Orlando Pride of the NWSL.

The league also announced updated team names and new venues for two legacy teams. The Arlington Renegades will become the Dallas Renegades when they move to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas of the MLS, and the Houston Roughnecks will be named the Houston Gamblers when they relocate to Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo FC of the MLS and Houston Dash of the NWSL.

“Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League,” said Mike Repole, co–owner of the United Football League. “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 — who leads league business operations through his private equity firm, Impact Capital — joined the UFL ownership group in July 2025, aligning with Fox, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, Dany Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He is tasked with steering the league’s business strategy, brand development and long–term growth.

“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 added.

The three new teams will replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers and San Antonio Brahmas, which competed in the league during its first two seasons.

The new teams will join current United Football League teams the Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders and St. Louis Battlehawks. They also join the newly named Houston Gamblers and Dallas Renegades.

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.