The DC Defenders begin their 2025 UFL campaign by hosting defending champion Birmingham Stallions at Audi Field. The schedule features five home games in Washington DC and five road contests. The Beer Snake is back at Audi for the 2025 season.
The DC Defenders launch their 2025 season on March 30 at Audi Field against defending UFL champion Birmingham. The schedule features a new twist for the final game, with DC hosting St. Louis in the team’s first home Friday night contest on May 30.
DC Defenders Schedule Breakdown
Week 1: vs. Birmingham Stallions
Sunday, March 30 | 3:00 PM ET | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field
ESPN
DC starts with the defending champions in a matchup testing the Defenders’ defense against Birmingham’s offense. Their previous meeting resulted in a nail-biting finish when Birmingham secured a last-second victory through a field goal following a weather delay. Will it be Matt Corral leading the high powered offense or someone else. This is also the final game of week 1 of the UFL season.
The Washington Capitals play at home at 3 PM and the Philly’s are in town against the Nationals at 1:35 PM. This will impact attendance for the game.
Week 2: vs. Memphis Showboats
Saturday, April 5 | 8:00 PM ET | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field
ABC
The Defenders face their first USFL Conference opponent as Memphis visits Audi Field for a primetime contest. This will be DC’s first Saturday night game since the 2020 XFL season and first none Sunday game since the 2023 XFL.
Memphis enters with fresh leadership as NFL veteran Ken Whisenhunt takes control. The Showboats underwent a complete organizational rebuild, marking a stark contrast from the team DC handled last season.
The Nationals play the Diamondbacks at 4:05 PM, fans could make both games that day since its a night game.
Week 3: at St. Louis Battlehawks
Sunday, April 13 | 3:00 PM ET | St. Louis, MO | The Dome at America’s Center
ABC
DC makes their first road trip to face the Battlehawks in a key XFL Conference matchup. The Battlehawks enter a new era without quarterback AJ McCarron, turning to a trio of candidates including TCU standout Max Duggan to lead their offense. Will the Battlehawks be firing on all cylinders or struggling still without McCarron.
Week 4: vs. San Antonio Brahmas
Sunday, April 20 | 5:00 PM ET | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field
FOX
The Defenders return home to take on the 2024 XFL Conference champions. DC will have three home games in the first four games of the season. The Brahmas maintain their core receiving unit while adding former NFL prospect Kellen Mond to their quarterback room. They were the surprise team of the 2024 UFL season. Will they continue their winning ways in 2025.
No Nationals home game that day. NBA and NHL are in the playoffs at this point in their season. A playoff game can affect attendance.
Week 5: at Arlington Renegades
Sunday, April 27 | 12:00 PM ET | Arlington, TX | Choctaw Stadium
ESPN
DC travels to Texas for their first meeting with Arlington this season. Recent history suggests another tight contest, as both 2024 matchups were decided by single points. Bob Stoops returns to guide the Renegades in what has become one of the UFL’s most competitive rivalries despite Arlington’s struggles in 2024.
Week 6: at Michigan Panthers
Sunday, May 4 | 12:00 PM ET | Detroit, MI | Ford Field
ESPN2
The Defenders head to Detroit for their second USFL Conference game. Michigan looks to build on their surprise championship appearance under Mike Nolan. Will the Panthers continue their winnings ways for fall back in the pack in 2025.
Week 7: at San Antonio Brahmas
Friday, May 9 | 8:00 PM ET | San Antonio, TX | The Alamodome
FOX
DC makes their first Friday night appearance in the Alamodome. This is one of San Antonio’s four only home games for the 2025 UFL season.
Week 8: vs. Arlington Renegades
Sunday, May 18 | 12:00 PM ET | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field |
ABC
The Defenders host Arlington in their final regular season home Sunday game. Could be a crucial late-season conference battle following the Defenders’ extended three game road stretch.
Nationals are away in Baltimore that day.
Week 9: at Houston Roughnecks
Sunday, May 25 | 4:00 PM ET | Houston, TX | TDECU Stadium |
FOX
DC makes their last road trip of the regular season. Houston presents a reformed roster under second-year coach Curtis Johnson, who orchestrated an aggressive offseason rebuild following their challenging 2024 campaign.
This game will get a direct lead-in from the Indianapolis 500, which is airing on FOX this year for the first time as part of a new multi-year deal.
Week 10: vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Friday, May 30 | 8:00 PM ET | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field |
FOX
The regular season concludes with a Friday night XFL Conference battle at Audi Field. These conference rivals meet with potential playoff implications at stake in the final week of the UFL regular season.
No Nationals home game that day.
Head Coach Reggie Barlow leads the Defenders into their third spring football season.
“The DC Defenders are back for a third-straight season, which is a testament to the unwavering support of our amazing fans and the exciting trajectory of spring football,” said Barlow.
Season tickets start at $23 per game through Ticketmaster, the Official Ticketing Partner of the UFL. Visit ufldefenders.com/tickets for information on season tickets and the new Defenders Kids Club membership.
