Overview
- The league introduced the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm for 2026, replacing the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers and San Antonio Brahmas.
- New teams will play in soccer-specific venues: Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville and Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
- Texas clubs are rebranded and relocating within their markets, with the Houston Roughnecks becoming the Houston Gamblers at Shell Energy Stadium and the Arlington Renegades becoming the Dallas Renegades at Toyota Stadium.
- The UFL is dropping its two-conference setup for a single eight-team table, with the top four advancing to the playoffs after a 43-game regular season.
- Opening day is set for March 27, 2026, with the full schedule, head-coach announcements and roster details to be released later; Repole cites smaller venues as key after reported declines in attendance and TV viewership in 2025.