Florida football fans could have a new team to cheer for in 2026 as the United Football League (UFL) is reportedly preparing to relocate several of its franchises ahead of the 2026 season. Orlando and Tampa Bay are among the top contenders to host one of the new teams.
The UFL concluded its second season on June 14, 2025, but attendance and viewership declined compared to its inaugural season. As a result, four of the league’s eight teams, based in Birmingham, Houston, Memphis, and Detroit, could potentially move before the 2026 season. However, it was recently confirmed that the Stallions will remain in Birmingham for at least one more year.
According to reports, the league is eyeing Boise (Idaho), Columbus (Ohio), Florida (likely Orlando or Tampa Bay), and Kentucky (Louisville or Lexington) as new host cities.
Orlando has a rich, albeit short-lived, history with spring football. The city previously hosted the Orlando Guardians during the 2023 XFL season before the league merged with the USFL. Earlier iterations included:
- Orlando Rage (XFL, 2001)
- Orlando Renegades (USFL, 1985)
- Florida Tuskers (UFL, 2009–2010)
- Orlando Apollos (AAF, 2019)
- Orlando Guardians (XFL, 2023)
While none of Orlando’s previous teams had lasting success, the city remains a viable candidate for future spring football ventures.
Understanding the UFL: Origins and Format
The United Football League was established in late 2023 through the merger of two spring football leagues, the USFL, backed by Fox Sports, and the XFL, co-owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The league operates from late March through June, culminating in a championship game.
The XFL originally launched in 2020 but was forced to suspend operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned under new ownership in 2023. Meanwhile, the USFL began play in 2022, with both leagues overlapping during the 2023 season before merging.
Key Differences Between the UFL and NFL
The UFL distinguishes itself from the NFL with several unique rules. Instead of traditional point-after-touchdown kicks, teams attempt extra points via scrimmage plays from varying distances:
- 2-yard line: 1 point
- 5-yard line: 2 points
- 10-yard line: 3 points
Additionally, the UFL replaces onside kicks with a fourth-and-12 play from the team’s own 28-yard line. Teams are also permitted to throw multiple forward passes on a single play, provided the ball hasn’t crossed the line of scrimmage before the final pass.
The NFL’s recent kickoff rule—where players cannot move until the ball is received—was inspired by the XFL. The UFL initially did not adopt this format but reinstated it for the 2025 season.
Current Teams and Ownership Structure
The UFL currently consists of eight teams, split evenly between former XFL and USFL franchises:
- Arlington Renegades (XFL)
- Birmingham Stallions (USFL)
- DC Defenders (XFL)
- Houston Roughnecks (USFL)
- Memphis Showboats (USFL)
- Michigan Panthers (USFL)
- San Antonio Brahmas (XFL)
- St. Louis Battlehawks (XFL)
The four USFL teams—Birmingham, Houston, Memphis, and Detroit—are the ones reportedly facing relocation in 2026 or beyond.
Ownership of the UFL includes Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners, who acquired the XFL following its bankruptcy in 2020. Fox Sports previously owned the USFL, and the merged league continues to benefit from strong media partnerships and new investment, including entrepreneur Mike Repole, who now oversees business operations.