UFL Says Teams in Michigan, Memphis, San Antonio Won't Return, Expansion Eyed for 2028

The United Football League announced that it would be leaving the Michigan, Memphis and San Antonio markets "due to stadium constraints." However, the UFL also opened the door for a potential return to the markets, citing planned expansion in 2028 and the hope that the "right venues will become available."

Last season, the UFL had eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, the Houston Roughnecks, the Memphis Showboats, the Michigan Panthers, the San Antonio Brahmas, the St. Louis Battlehawks, the Arlington Renegades and the DC Defenders.

The UFL previously announced that Columbus, Ohio would be home to a new UFL team beginning in 2026.

This announcement comes as no surprise, as entrepreneur Mike Repole, who took over business operations for the league earlier this year, spoke with ESPN's Kevin Seifert in July about changes the UFL was expected to make.

"In an interview with ESPN, Repole said the league will move at least two of its home markets and possibly four in time for the 2026 season. One of the new markets will be Columbus, Ohio, where the team will play in Historic Crew Stadium, home of the MLS' Columbus Crew. The league has not yet finalized any other new markets, nor has it decided which markets it will leave. The number of teams will remain at eight, Repole said.

"Repole made clear, however, that he prefers markets that have smaller stadiums than some of the college facilities the UFL has played in for the past two years. Capacity in Columbus will be around 21,000. He said that 'venue and attendance' are his top priorities in creating a more lively perception of the league."

Repole told Seifert: "The vibe hasn't been to where it should be. You can hear a pin drop when someone runs 80 yards. That's not so good. Nobody wants to turn on the TV and see 10,000 fans in a 65,000-seat stadium. It's like watching a COVID game."

The Michigan Panthers played in the 65,000-seat Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, and had an average attendance of 8,794, per Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal. The Memphis Showboats played in 44,000-seat Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, home of the Liberty Bowl, and averaged 3,992 fans. And the San Antonio Brahmas played in the 64,000-seat Alamodome with an average of 11,105 fans.

It's unclear where the Michigan, Memphis and San Antonio teams will move as of yet, but James Larsen of Pro Football Newsroom noted that Orlando, which was part of the XFL in 2023 as the Guardians, could be back in action.

Larsen also previously said that movement to Louisville is "likely to happen" on Wednesday.

In addition, Larsen said reported in July that Boise, Idaho could be in the mix.

Ultimately, big changes are up ahead for the UFL. It's clear that the league wants to find places (and play in stadiums) where it can succeed and have long-term success. So we'll see where developments go from there, but for now, the UFL is officially moving out of three markets.