The United Football League (UFL) has secured labor peace throughout 2026 with a new collective bargaining agreement with the UFL Players Association. The agreement will continue through the 2026 season.
The new agreement will increase salaries and provide year-round health care, two issues that have plagued the offseason and almost led to a player’s strike.
UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said, “We have reached a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the UFPA. We look forward to continuing to work with our players to grow professional spring football at the UFL.” Avoiding labor disputes was essential for both parties. However, the UFL still faces significant challenges in ensuring long-term sustainability.
UFL Attendance Takes A Hit
The primary metrics have declined from last year to this year. This past weekend, the St. Louis Battlehawks recorded less than 30,000 attendees for a home game, marking the first time since the UFL’s inception in 2024. The Houston Roughnecks attracted only 4,134 spectators for their Week 6 match against the Memphis Showboats.
Television viewership has also decreased. While it is tempting to attribute these lower numbers to the fact that every weekend of the UFL season coincides with numerous other sports broadcasts, similar alternatives were present in 2024.
The UFL is likely to regain stability and foster some star power. Merely offering games that are almost as compelling as NFL matches is insufficient. For the league to prosper—or even to survive—it must entice viewers to seek out its games actively.
Betting On The UFL Online
Betting on the XFL and USFL divisional odds is available on online sports betting sites and in select domestic sportsbooks across the US. Weekly game lines and future odds are often available a few days before the events.
Below are the current game line odds from Bovada’s online sportsbook for week 7 of the ten-game season.
DC Defenders vs. San Antonio Brahmas
- Spread: -6.5 (-115), +6.5 (-105)
- Win: -330, +265
- Total: O36.5 (-110), U36.5 (-110)
Michigan Panthers vs. Arlington Renegades
- Spread: +1.0 (-110), -1.0 (-110)
- Win: -115, -105
- Total: O42.5 (-110), U42.5 (-110)
Houston Roughnecks vs. Birmingham Stallions
- Spread: +6.5 (-110), -6.5 (-110)
- Win: +240, -290
- Total: O39.0 (-110), U39.0 (-110)
St. Louis BattleHawks vs. Memphis Showboats
- Spread: -4.0 (-110), +4.0 (-110)
- Win: -240, +200
- Total: O39.0 (-110), U39.0 (-110)