The Orlando Storm have accomplished a lot this season, and with their latest victory against the D.C. Defenders, the team is in a favorable position to host a playoff matchup at Inter&Co Stadium. While the play on the field for the Storm has been exceptional between a stellar defense, MVP-level play from their quarterback and the leadership of Head Coach Anthony Becht, what should get fans (and critics) excited is what's going on off the field.
The Storm took care of business this year. Currently they are 7-2, with multiple players on the verge of earning NFL contracts that should "grow the brand" of not just the UFL but possibly the Storm in general. After their 27-19 victory against the UFL News Hub's Greg Parks report that the Storm recorded 10,594 fans in attendance for their 5th and final home game of the 2026 season. While several markets have shown some regression, the Orlando market improved with over 5,000 more fans from the previously allocated San Antonio Brahmas franchise.
Spring football has been tried before in Orlando several times since 2001. The Orlando Rage, the Orlando Apollos, and Orlando Guardians have all made "cameos" in now defunct spring football leagues, however in 2026 the feeling is a bit different. Before the Storm, the most recent iteration of the XFL saw the Guardians drew 44,656 with the team going 1-9, while the Apollos of the AAF drew just under 60,000 in a shortened season.
While there is obviously room for improvement, the trajectory is encouraging. The Rage, Apollos, and Guardians each had their moments, but none had the structural backing, market momentum, or on-field product the Storm have assembled in 2026.
New owner Mike Repole has made a concentrated effort for the Storm to be one of the premiere franchises in his "new-look" UFL. With the team's recent success led by Anthony Becht, the brand has built a product that is not only a high-level product but also enjoyable entertainment for families to partake in during their weekends in the spring.
Some will point to Orlando's lack of an NFL market as a benefit, due to the team not needing to compete for attention against an NFL franchise and essentially owning the market. Coupled with both Repole and Becht calling Orlando home, there's more skin in the game here than in most UFL cities.
With one week remaining in the 2026 regular season, the Storm will wait to see if they get one final opportunity to showcase their talents in front of the Inter&Co faithful. If they do, it could have the makings of a successful ending for one of professional sports' up and coming franchises moving forward into 2027.