2026 UFL Schedule: Full Game Dates and Broadcast Info
- The 2026 United Football League (UFL) season officially commenced on March 27, 2026, introducing significant changes to the league's competitive structure, coaching rosters, and team locations.
- For the 2026 campaign, the eight teams compete within a single division.
- The regular season is scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2026.
The 2026 United Football League (UFL) season officially commenced on March 27, 2026, introducing significant changes to the league’s competitive structure, coaching rosters, and team locations. Now in its third season since the merger of the USFL and XFL, the league has implemented a new format that eliminates the previous two-conference system.
For the 2026 campaign, the eight teams compete within a single division. Under this restructured format, the four teams with the best regular-season records will advance to the playoffs. The regular season spans 10 weeks, with each club playing 10 games and no bye weeks scheduled.
The regular season is scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2026. Postseason play is set to begin the week of June 7, 2026, culminating in a championship game later that month.
League Expansion and Relocations
The 2026 season features new markets and rebranded franchises. Three teams have been relocated for this campaign, including the introduction of the Louisville Kings as a newcomer to the league.
The Louisville Kings are led by Head Coach Chris Redman. The Orlando Storm also began play in a new market under Head Coach Anthony Becht, who previously served as the head coach for the St. Louis Battlehawks for three seasons.
The third relocated franchise, the Columbus Aviators, is coached by former Ohio State star Ted Ginn Jr. The Aviators are scheduled to host their inaugural game during Week 2, which runs from April 3 to April 7, 2026, facing the reigning UFL champion DC Defenders.
Season Opener and Coaching Changes
The season premiered on March 27, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET at Lynn Family Stadium. The opening matchup featured the three-time spring football league champion Birmingham Stallions traveling to face the Louisville Kings.
The Birmingham Stallions entered the season under new leadership with Head Coach AJ McCarron. A former quarterback for the St. Louis Battlehawks, McCarron’s debut against the Kings marked his first game as a professional head coach.
Other early fixtures included a matchup on March 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., where the DC Defenders visited the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Broadcast Partners and Fan Experience
The UFL has partnered with several media outlets to broadcast all 43 games of the third season. Coverage is provided by FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and the ESPN App. For Spanish-speaking audiences, select games air on FOX Deportes and ESPN Deportes, as well as the ESPN App.
A central part of the 2026 broadcast strategy is FOX UFL Friday
, a dedicated night of action featuring games every Friday throughout the 10-week regular season.
To enhance the game-day experience, the league introduced theme nights and City Celebrations during home openers to honor the culture and history of the represented cities. These events include fan fests, musical acts, and ticket incentives.
2026 Regular Season Schedule
The 2026 regular season is organized into the following weekly windows:
- Week 1: March 27-29
- Week 2: April 3-7
- Week 3: April 10-12
- Week 4: April 16-18
- Week 5: April 24-26
- Week 6: April 30-May 3
- Week 7: May 8-10
- Week 8: May 15-17
- Week 9: May 22-24
- Week 10: May 29-31
The eight teams competing in the 2026 season are the Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders, St. Louis Battlehawks, Louisville Kings, Houston Gamblers, Dallas Renegades, Columbus Aviators, and Orlando Storm.