UFL Unveils New Markets, New Stadiums And Two New Team Names For 2026 Season

The United Football League (UFL) announced a major shift from football stadiums to soccer venues, rebranding two legacy teams in Texas and unveiling three new franchises set to debut in the spring of 2026 when the league kicks off its third season.

The new teams will be located in Columbus, Ohio, playing at Historic Crew Stadium, former home of the Columbus Crew of the MLS; Louisville, Kentucky, playing at Lynn Family Stadium, home of the Louisville City FC of the USL and Racing Louisville FC of the NWSL; and Orlando, Florida, playing at Inter&Co Stadium, home of the Orlando City SC of the MLS and Orlando Pride of the NWSL.

The league also announced updated team names and new venues for two existing teams; the Arlington Renegades will become the Dallas Renegades when they move to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas of the MLS, and the Houston Roughnecks will be named the Houston Gamblers when they relocate to Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo FC of the MLS and Houston Dash of the NWSL.

“Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League,” states Mike Repole, co-owner of the UFL, who leads league business operations through his private equity firm, Impact Capital. “Columbus, Louisville and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We’re proud to bring professional football to these communities – in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come.”

Repole joined the UFL ownership group in July 2025, aligning with FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, Dany Garcia, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He is tasked with steering the league’s business strategy, brand development, and long-term growth.

“We’re heading into this season with new teams, new markets, new venues, and a renewed energy that reflects the momentum building around this league,” said Repole in a release.

The three news teams will replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers and San Antonio Brahmas, which competed in the league during its first two seasons.

The new teams – the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm – will join current UFL teams the Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders and St. Louis Battlehawks. In Houston, the Gamblers’ moniker is a return to the team’s original name during its USFL era. The switch from Arlington Renegades to Dallas Renegades better reflects the team’s North Texas fanbase, according to the UFL.

As part of Repole’s overall strategy of playing in smaller, more intimate soccer venues, the Houston Gamblers will play at Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash. The Dallas Renegades will move to Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas. 

Venues for the rest of the teams remain the same including Protective Stadium (Birmingham Stallions), Audi Field (DC Defenders) and The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis Battlehawks).

Season ticket deposits in the new markets are available now. Season ticket deposits are currently open for the Dallas Renegades and Houston Gamblers. The league will be reaching out to fans currently holding season tickets for the former venues in Arlington and Houston.

Beginning with the 2026 season, the teams will no longer be divided into two conferences but will compete as a united eight-team league with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs at the conclusion of the regular season.

Head coaches will be announced soon for the three teams, along with new uniform designs for all eight teams. The 43-game 2026 United Football League schedule, which will kick off on March 27, will be unveiled later.