Above Image Credit: Sports Business Journal
The UFL expansion process began last week, announcing four new markets for the 2027 and 2028 season.
Colorado and Rhode Island will make their UFL debut next season, replacing Birmingham and Houston. Then in 2028, Utah and Oklahoma will join in, expanding the league to 10 teams.
We also learned the stadiums for these markets as the UFL continues committing to play in soccer venues. They are as follows…
- Weidner Field in Colorado Springs, CO
- Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, RI
- America First Field in Sandy, UT
- MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium in Oklahoma City, OK
It was also confirmed that the Colorado and Rhode Island markets will both have public events next month where the teams’ logos, colors, brand identities, and names will be revealed. Utah and Oklahoma are TBA.
Plus, Colorado’s home debut is set for Sunday, April 11th at 3 PM EST and will air on ABC. Rhode Island’s home debut will be on Friday, April 2nd at 8 PM EST on FOX UFL Friday. Click here for more information.
Last season introduced us to new UFL co-owner Mike Repole and three new markets: Orlando Storm, Louisville Kings, and Columbus Aviators. Columbus finished 3-7 in their inaugural season while Orlando finished with the top record of 8-2 and made it to the playoff knockout rounds, losing to the 2025 UFL champion DC Defenders.
However, it was the Louisville Kings that shocked the spring football nation with an incredible regular season comeback that ultimately led them to win the United Bowl 27-20 against the Defenders, becoming UFL champions in their first season ever.
The 2027 season will bring back these teams along with the St. Louis Battlehawks, DC Defenders, and Dallas Renegades to welcome the newcomers to one of spring football’s wildest leagues.
