The United Football League has found its first expansion home, and it's in the heart of tornado alley. Oklahoma City was officially awarded the UFL's ninth franchise on April 9th, capping off a nearly two-year courtship process that hinged on the city's ambitious MAPS 4 downtown stadium project.
The announcement makes Oklahoma City the lone expansion team since the UFL was formed through the 2023 merger of the XFL and USFL. The new franchise will begin play in spring 2028, joining eight existing teams in what has become the premier alternative to NFL football.
MAPS 4 Stadium Project Seals the Deal
Kurt Jeske, president of OKC for Soccer and the organization behind the new UFL franchise, credits the city's investment in sports infrastructure as the deciding factor. The process began when a friend from his New York days suggested Oklahoma City as a UFL destination.
"That started an almost 2-year courtship that we spent time with the league office," Jeske said. "Those two ingredients did the selling for us. When the UFL executives, the president, the leadership, Darryl Moose Johnson and Russ Brandon came to town, they already knew of the passion that Oklahoma has for football. But what they were blown away by is what the city of Oklahoma City and the MAPS IV project was doing with Echo and building this new downtown stadium."
The multipurpose stadium, being developed by Echo Investments, will break ground in June with a target opening of winter 2027-2028. The venue won't just house football and soccer – it's designed to accommodate concerts, PBR rodeo events, and any activity that fits a rectangular building.
2028: A Landmark Year for Oklahoma City Sports
The UFL team's debut coincides with what's shaping up to be a transformative year for Oklahoma City athletics. The new downtown stadium will open just months before the Continental Coliseum, where the Thunder will begin playing in 2028. Oklahoma City will also host softball and canoe slalom events during the 2028 Summer Olympics.
"I think 2028 is going to be a phenomenal celebration year for the state," Jeske said. "I have to give credit to Mayor Holt and the vision of the MAPS Sport Committee in Oklahoma City to invest in themselves and invest in this downtown stadium that is more than a home for soccer."
Sports journalist Michael Kenny, who has covered Oklahoma athletics for years, believes the timing and market are perfect for spring football. "The UFL is acting like it's a home run, and I believe they're right. I think it's the right model city for the type of team that they're trying to bring in."
From Semi-Pro to the Big Leagues
The announcement has particular meaning for Brian Pohl, who serves as Arcadia Fire Chief but once suited up as a tight end for the Oklahoma City Jaguars semi-pro team. Pohl started playing football at age 44 and became the oldest player in franchise history.
"I think a new professional team coming to Oklahoma City is just a great thing for the city as well as the state," Pohl said. He sees the UFL as providing opportunities that didn't exist during his playing days: "Just the opportunity to play in a game that they love and actually be able to pay their bills doing that, I think, is going to be a dream come true for a lot of young men here that just love to play football."
Professional Quality Football
Jeske emphasized that fans can expect legitimate professional football when the team takes the field. "The UFL has found a phenomenal spot. It is fully professional. These are great players, the best players in college that don't quite make the NFL, or maybe they were on an NFL roster but didn't make it the next time around."
The franchise will benefit from Oklahoma's established football culture, something UFL leadership recognized during their visits. Even Dallas Renegades head coach Bob Stoops helped make the case for Oklahoma City during the courtship process.
While team name and branding details remain under wraps until later this year, the foundation is set for Oklahoma City to become a significant player in spring football. With the MAPS 4 stadium as home base and 2028 promising to be a watershed year for local sports, the UFL's first expansion franchise appears positioned to capitalize on Oklahoma's deep football roots.