Overview
- Houston announced Thursday it will not participate in the 2026 season and gave no explanation beyond a farewell statement.
- The SaberCats were 2025 Western Conference champions and lost the final to the New England Free Jacks.
- Miami Sharks and NOLA Gold have also stepped away for 2026, and San Diego Legion and RFC Los Angeles will compete as the merged California Legion.
- Seven teams are currently slated to play next season: New England, Utah, California, Old Glory DC, Seattle, Chicago and Charlotte-based Anthem RC.
- The club said 2026 season-ticket purchases will be refunded, and the shakeup leaves players across the league facing contract uncertainty.