United Football League Announces New Team In Oklahoma City’s New Stadium

The United Football League (UFL) announced its plans to launch a new team in Oklahoma City beginning with the 2028 spring football season. As a cornerstone of the league’s growth strategy, the yet-to-be named team will compete in the city’s new downtown stadium.

“Oklahoma lives and breathes football, so bringing the UFL to Oklahoma City was an easy decision,” stated UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole. “This is a state that shows up, cares deeply, and truly understands the game. From college powerhouses to Friday night lights, football runs deep here. We’re committed to building a franchise in OKC that the entire state can rally behind.”

The team’s home field will be the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. Currently under development in the city’s burgeoning sports and entertainment district, the venue is scheduled to open in early 2028 with a capacity of just over 10,000. The team’s name, colors and branding will be unveiled at a later date with the local OKC community included in the selection process.

“Oklahoma City welcomes the UFL to our championship city,” added Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “We love sports and we love football, so we think this should be a great fit. We have always said that the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium opens up new opportunities for our city, and this is a perfect example. We look forward to the UFL’s arrival in 2028.”

The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium is the anchor of a new multi-use cultural district that will unify downtown OKC from the city center to the Oklahoma River. The development, which will be one of the largest downtown districts created to date, will be within walking distance of the new Continental Coliseum, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, Bricktown and the 70-acre Scissortail Park.

The MAPS 4 stadium, which is estimated to cost up to $121 million,  will be managed by Echo Investment Capital, an OKC-based multi-strategy investment firm founded by Christian Kanady. Lingo Construction serves as the construction manager. Groundbreaking is set to take place in June. 

“We are excited to welcome professional football to Oklahoma City and partner with the United Football League,” stated Kanady, CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “With the successful sales of the 1910 Founders Club, OKC has demonstrated its readiness for professional soccer in 2028, and we are eager to embrace professional football as well. By introducing another world-class league to OKC, we aim to activate our stadium as the busiest outdoor venue in the country.”

Designed by global stadium architecture firm Populous, the venue will be able to host a variety of events in addition to the UFL team including professional soccer, concerts and rodeo. The venue features suites, club areas and covered seating for year-round use.

“Oklahoma City has long been one of the most glaring vacancies on the professional football map,” added UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon. “The combination of a new stadium, deep-rooted football culture, and a city that has proven its ability to support major league sports makes this an easy decision. We are thrilled to bring the UFL’s brand of high-octane spring football to the passionate fans of Oklahoma.”

The UFL kicked off its third season on March 27, with eight teams, including the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The league is conducting a 10-week regular season followed by playoffs featuring the four best teams, which will compete to play in the 2026 UFL Championship Game on June 13.