David Dykeman, the director of football operations for the United Football League was recently interviewed by CTInsider, a local Connecticut publication. In it he talks about the current status of the UFL and its expansion plans in 2026.
Dykeman talks about the UFL adding two teams later this year.
“We are in great markets and if we look at areas that we feel we can support a team and wants a team, it is something we will consider. We will be announcing later this year a ninth and 10th team for expansion in the 2026 season. Overall, we are in a great place and I am super confident that we will be able to continue to put a great product on the field.”
This article comes on the heals of UFL Insider Mike Mitchell's reporting on week one of the UFL seasons TV ratings which here down across the board. We assume this interview took place last week and came out today. No word on how the UFL feels about the leagues week one ratings.
Dykeman talks about his relationship with UFL CEO and President Russ Brandon.
"Russ (Brandon) and I have a lot of similar qualities. We just connected well. He is one of the best people I've ever met in my life. I feel very lucky to be in this position. He saw something in me that he thought I could help with getting the league off the ground.”
Dykeman cut his teeth in the football world as the former dean of students and head football coach at Cheshire Academy, a highly competitive prep school from 2014 to 2023. Three years ago he joined Brandon in the XFL.
The article goes on to talk about how he got his start in the football world and more.
Back in November the league put out a press release talking about expansion. But never officially announced how many teams and when.
The United Football League today announced it has officially launched its first expansion process. The UFL is accepting proposals from prospective markets looking to bring spring football to their communities and be a part of the growth of the sport.
UFL executive vice president Daryl Johnston talk to USA TODAY two weeks ago about expansion but never gave any specifics. This is the first time a league official got into UFL expansion details publicly.
We have been reporting for sometime the two locations would be Seattle, with the return of the Sea Dragons and potentially Columbus Ohio. Of all the trademarks the USFL Enterprises still owns related to the old Spring League, the 'Aviators' still remains. Columbus Aviators does have a nice ring to it.