The United Football League has 8 teams for the 2026 season — but the lineup looks different than it did when the league launched in 2024. Three new markets joined for 2026, and three original franchises are gone.
All 8 UFL Teams in 2026
| Team | City | Stadium | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Stallions | Birmingham, AL | Protective Stadium | Original (2024 champs) |
| Columbus Aviators | Columbus, OH | Historic Crew Stadium | New for 2026 |
| Dallas Renegades | Frisco, TX | Toyota Stadium | Rebranded from Arlington |
| DC Defenders | Washington, DC | Audi Field | Original (2025 champs) |
| Houston Gamblers | Houston, TX | Shell Energy Stadium | Rebranded from Roughnecks |
| Louisville Kings | Louisville, KY | Lynn Family Stadium | New for 2026 (2026 champs) |
| Orlando Storm | Orlando, FL | Inter&Co Stadium | New for 2026 |
| St. Louis Battlehawks | St. Louis, MO | The Dome at America's Center | Original |
Yes, the newest team in the league already owns a title — the Louisville Kings won the 2026 UFL Championship in their first season, beating the DC Defenders 27–20 in the United Bowl.
How the Lineup Has Changed Since 2024
The UFL launched in 2024 with eight teams drawn from the USFL/XFL merger: Birmingham, DC, Houston (as the Roughnecks), Michigan, St. Louis, Arlington, Memphis, and San Antonio.
For 2026 the league reshaped its map:
- Joined: Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm
- Departed: Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats, and San Antonio Brahmas
- Rebranded: the Arlington Renegades became the Dallas Renegades, and the Houston Roughnecks became the Houston Gamblers
Where the UFL Came From
The UFL formed ahead of the 2024 season when the XFL and USFL merged. The XFL launched in 2001 under Vince McMahon and was revived in 2020 with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the ownership group. The USFL originally played in the 1980s and returned in 2022. The merger pulled the best of both leagues into one spring football home — that lineage is why Birmingham's 2024 title counted as its third straight spring championship.
New to the league? Start with our full guide: What is the UFL?
Will the UFL Add More Teams?
Expansion is an open conversation. League owner Mike Repole has named five possible expansion cities, and the 2026 additions showed the league is willing to move into markets that show up for spring football. Attendance in the new cities will tell the story.
Quick Answers
How many teams are in the UFL?
Eight teams compete in the 2026 UFL season.
Which UFL teams are new in 2026?
The Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm all joined for 2026.
How many games does each UFL team play?
Every team plays a 10-game regular season from late March into June, followed by the playoffs and the UFL Championship. See the full UFL schedule.
For rosters, records, and stats for every club, head to our UFL teams hub.