The new and improved Memphis Showboats revealed their 2025 schedule this week. Memphis opens the season on Sunday, March 30 against the Michigan Panthers. The game will be a home game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and televised on ESPN.
Fans should expect to see a vastly different team from a year ago. Under the leadership of new general manager, Jim Monos, and visionary head coach, NFL veteran Ken Whisenhunt, the Showboats are primed for a significantly improved season. In addition, the recent trade acquisition of former D.C. Defenders quarterback Quinten Dormady provides a strong UFL veteran to lead the team.
Furthermore, Memphis got a leg-up from the 2024 draft. The team secured the first pick in every round by beating the Houston Roughnecks in the winner-take-all final game of the season. Based on the schedule, Showboats fans can look forward to an exciting season.
Week 1: Memphis Showboats vs. Michigan Panthers
Sunday, March 30 | 11:00 AM CT | Memphis, TN | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | ESPN
The Michigan Panthers routed the Showboats 35-18 in week 5 last year. Michigan won the second game 24-18. The Panthers were a strong playoff contender last year, but the Showboats underwent a dramatic overhaul in the off-season. After losing their sensational kicker, Jake Bates to the Detroit Lions, and other key players including defensive standout, Josh Butler, the Panthers could face a much tougher fight this year.
Week 2: Memphis Showboats at D.C. Defenders
Saturday, April 5 | 7:00 PM CT | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field | ABC
In week 2, the Showboats travel to Audi Field to take on the D.C. Defenders. Last year, quarterback Jordan Ta’amu led the Defenders to a lopsided 36-21 victory. Ta’amu’s status as the Defenders quarterback is unclear. However, head coach Reggie Barlow is back for his third season. D.C. traded quarterback Jalen McClendon to the Houston Roughnecks in exchange for defender Kiondre Thomas. Thomas’ aggressive style will undoubtedly boost D.C.’s defense. After the team nearly made the playoffs last year, D. C. is gearing up for a fight this season.
Week 3: Memphis Showboats vs. Houston Roughnecks
Saturday, April 12 | 1:30 PM CT | Memphis, TN | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | ESPN
The Showboats celebrated a memorable 19-12 victory over the Roughnecks in last season’s finale. In addition to the win, Memphis earned a sizable winner-take-all prize with the first pick in every round of the 2024 draft. Houston will likely see this game as a vengeance rematch. But just as the Showboats underwent a significant overhaul in the offseason, so did the Roughnecks. With two dramatically different teams entering the battle, it could be hard to predict the outcome.
Week 4: Memphis Showboats at Michigan Panthers
Friday, April 18 | 7:00 PM CT | Detroit, MI | Ford Field | FOX
The second meeting between the Showboats and the Panthers was awarded the premier time slot on “FOX UFL Friday” an early indication it’s a high-profile game. This match-up promises to be a stronger showing for both teams with the Panthers having a slight edge given their home-field advantage.
Week 5: Memphis Showboats at Birmingham Stallions
Friday, April 25 | 7:00 PM CT | Birmingham, AL | Protective Stadium | FOX
In their second consecutive road game, the Showboats travel to Alabama to take on the two-time Championship Birmingham Stallions. Although head Coach Skip Holtz’s Stallions will look different without Adrian Martinez, their ace, Matt Corral has experience leading the team. Birmingham is on a quest for a three-peat and it will be up to the visiting Showboats to put up a strong fight.
Week 6: Memphis Showboats at Houston Roughnecks
Saturday, May 3 | 11:00 AM CT | Houston, TX | TDECU Stadium | ABC
On the final leg of their road trip, the Showboats have another meeting with the Roughnecks. This time, it’s on Houston’s turf. Returning head coach Curtis Johnson will undoubtedly have a few surprises in his arsenal for the Showboats’ arrival.
Week 7: Memphis Showboats vs. St. Louis Battlehawks
Sunday, May 11 | 2:00 PM CT | Memphis, TN | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | ESPN
Memphis will host the Battlehawks for their first meeting this season. St. Louis triumphed over the Showboats in a 32-17 victory at home last season. Strengthening the Battlehawks this season, Hakeem Butler, the offensive player of the year just announced his return. But while the Battlehawks boast a strong fan base and the UFL’s largest crowds, they may find the new and improved Showboats tougher competition this season.
Week 8: Memphis Showboats at San Antonio Brahmas
Friday, May 16 | 7:00 PM CT | San Antonio, TX | The Alamodome | FOX
San Antonio made it to the championship game last year so the Showboats will have their hands full when they take on coach Wade Phillips and the Brahmas in week 8. This season, former Texas A&M star Kellen Mond takes the reins as quarterback. Selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2021 draft with the 66th overall pick, Mond returns home to Texas after his NFL stint. This will be the first head-to-head meeting between Dormady and his former team.
Week 9: Memphis Showboats vs. Arlington Renegades
Saturday, May 24 | 11:00 AM CT | Memphis, TN | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | ABC
Despite a losing record last season, the Renegades have one of the best passers in the league returning this season. Quarterback Luis Perez led the league in passing last year with over 2,309 yards and 18 touchdowns. Last year’s 3-7 losing record was somewhat deceptive because most of those scores were very close games. With Perez back at the helm, don’t underestimate these Renegades.
Week 10: Memphis Showboats vs. Birmingham Stallions
Sunday, June 1 | 2:00 PM CT | Memphis, TN | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium | FOX
To close out the 2025 season, the Showboats host their division rival, the Stallions. Depending on the playoff picture this could be a decisive game. Memphis fans need to show up in force to cheer on their team.
