This past weekend, the UFL closed out the regular season. For the four teams advancing to the playoffs, it was an opportunity to size up their competition ahead of next week and in one case, battle for home-field advantage. Both games came down to a thrilling nail-biting finish in the closing seconds with a missed field goal and a one-point difference.
On Sunday afternoon, the four teams that failed to qualify for the playoffs competed in their final game of the season. For two teams it was an opportunity to end the season on a positive note with a win.
But for the two teams with the worst league records, the 1-8 Memphis Showboats and the 1-8 Houston Roughnecks, the stakes were much higher. The winner of that game would be awarded the ultimate consolation prize, the first draft pick in every round. Instead of ending the season on a dismal note with a meaningless game, Sunday night’s game took on a whole new appeal. Did fans tune in to see who would prevail? The UFL week 10 ratings are in and according to Mike Mitchell, @byMikeMitchell on X, once again, it’s great news for the fans and the UFL.
Saturday 6/1
Birmingham Stallions v. Michigan Panthers: Averaged 754,000 viewers on ESPN
The Stallions and Panthers fought a close battle in what might be a precursor to this weekend’s USFL Division Championship. The Panthers’ offensive strategy and strong defense matched up well against Adrian Martinez and the league’s best offense, keeping them in check for most of the game. But a fourth-quarter rally by the Stallions and a missed last-second Panthers’ field goal, gave Birmingham the victory by a score of 20-19.
Attendance: 7,133
St. Louis Battlehawks v. San Antonio Brahmas: Averaged 836,000 viewers on FOX. The ratings peaked at 1,674,000 between 7:00-7:14 pm. (Up 31% from one year ago.) Ratings on Fox compared to last year
In the second game on Saturday night, the Battlehawks hosted the Brahmas in a stadium filled with more than 34,000 “kaw-crazed” supporters. In a close defensive clash that would determine home-field advantage for next week’s XFL Division Championship, the hometown crowd might have been the difference. The Battlehawks won the low-scoring contest 13-12.
Securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is a huge win for the deserving Battlehawks fans who show up faithfully for every game, far outpacing the attendance at every other venue in the league. Their support this weekend could help the Battlehawks advance to the UFL League Championship.
Attendance: 34,379
Sunday 6/2
Arlington Renegades at D.C. Defenders: Averaged 893,000 viewers on ABC.
Despite the support of the team’s loyal fans at Audi Stadium and the always entertaining “Beer Snake,” quarterback Jordan Ta’amu and the D.C. Defenders lost to the Arlington Renegades by another single-point score of 32-31. The victory gave the Renegades their third win in four games. Renegades quarterback Luis Perez ended his outstanding season with a league-leading 225/336 for 2,309 yards with 18 touchdowns and only four interceptions.
Attendance: 13,080
Houston Roughnecks at Memphis Showboats: Averaged 649,000 viewers on FOX. The ratings peaked at 1,147,000.
In a “Winner Take All” finale, the Memphis Showboats bookended their season the way it all began, with a victory over the Houston Roughnecks. In a strong, decisive 19-12 win, the Showboats played their best game of the season to claim possession of the first-round draft picks. Running back Darius Victor scored twice as the Showboats rallied behind first-time starting quarterback Josh Love who played a solid game, throwing 20/29 for 152 yards. Love had four carries for four rushing yards. But the real difference in the game may have been the Showboats’ defense who kept pressure on the Roughnecks throughout the night coming up with multiple tackles, two sacks, and a Quenton Meeks interception.
Attendance: 6,039
Once again, the ratings show the growing support and demand for spring football. Two of the final home games were played in fan-friendly Audi Field and St. Louis, and the total attendance figures of 60,631 reflect a significant improvement over last week. It’s worth noting that fan support in expansion cities such as Memphis will take time and patience to develop. The Showboats closed their season with a solid victory and showed this team has a lot of heart and talent. The prospect of having the first pick in every draft round could help build fan engagement in the off-season. Another reason for the low attendance in cities such as Houston and Arlington might be that three UFL teams in the already sports-crowded state of Texas could create a battleground that cannibalizes the existing fan base.
Get Ready For The Playoffs!
Saturday 6/8
Michigan Panthers at Birmingham Stallions: ABC will broadcast the game at 3:00 pm EDT
Sunday 6/9
San Antonio Brahmas at St. Louis Battlehawks: FOX will broadcast the game at 7:00 pm EDT.
Check your local listings to catch all the action.
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