The UFL is exploring new ways to engage fans and enhance the league’s long-term stability.
After suffering lackluster attendance around the league for their second 10-game season, the UFL is leaning hard on its upper management to find a solution. Several options have emerged as possible solutions, including moving the start of the season back to avoid conflicts with March Madness, extending training camps, and adding expansion teams.
Below, we will discuss each of those possibilities in further detail and offer our advice on how to bet on XFL and USFL teams.
Expansion Teams
After numerous announcements and press releases on the subject, it is expected that the UFL will add two new teams before the start of the 2026 season. Possible expansion cities include Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; Raleigh, North Carolina; Canton, Ohio; San Diego, California; and Louisville, Kentucky.
The topic of expansion has surrounded the league since its launch in 2024. After the league’s inaugural season, the UFL announced it was exploring expansion options.
Training Camp Length
Last year, the UFL had only three weeks of preparation before the start of the regular season. As a result, some offenses got off to a slower start. League officials have already discussed reverting to a four-week training camp.
Start of Season Date
Another potential change could be the start of the season. Since the merger in 2024 and the inaugural season, the UFL has competed with March Madness for ratings. However, many fans have suggested that pushing the season back a few weeks could result in better ratings.
With two new teams expected to be introduced for the 2026 season, we anticipate a 12-week season. The playoffs will likely not expand until more teams are added. However, the two new expansion teams will add variety to the league’s schedule.
Betting On Spring Football
The UFL recently partnered with a DFS company but has held off on a direct partnership with one of the many XFL betting sites. While the league does embrace the future of betting, it is likely to be teams that form partnerships with domestic sportsbooks in the future.
We expect the UFL to further expand its gambling options with real-time odds and updates. You will likely be able to download rosters and player stats from the official website to assist you with your online betting ventures.