News Summary
The United Football League has unveiled three new franchises for the upcoming spring season, introducing the Orlando Storm alongside teams in Columbus and Louisville. The league aims for a community-focused approach, with games hosted at the historic Inter&Co Stadium in Downtown Orlando. As part of a strategic rebranding initiative, existing teams will also see changes, and the UFL is targeting local player signings to boost community support. With 43 games set for the season, the UFL aspires to create an authentic football experience for fans.
Orlando, Florida—The United Football League (UFL) has announced the launch of three new franchises for the upcoming spring season of 2026, including the Orlando Storm. This addition comes as part of the league’s expansion strategy, also introducing franchises in Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. The UFL aims to kick off the 2026 season on March 27, 2026, with a full schedule of 43 games set to be released later.
The Orlando Storm will host its games at Inter&Co Stadium, located in Downtown Orlando. A multi-year partnership between the stadium and the UFL has been established, solidifying the venue’s role as a significant site for sporting events in Central Florida, where it welcomed over 750,000 visitors last year. Inter&Co Stadium also serves as a home for Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL).
As part of the league’s restructuring, existing franchises will undergo rebranding, with the Houston Roughnecks changing to the Houston Gamblers, and the Arlington Renegades being renamed as the Dallas Renegades. The UFL’s decision to replace franchises such as the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas marks a significant transformation for the league.
The UFL plans to emphasize smaller stadiums to enhance the game day experience for fans. All eight teams in the league will compete within a single conference, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs. The league is focused on establishing authentic game day experiences tailored to the communities it serves, signifying a shift towards a more localized approach.
UFL co-owner Mike Repole emphasized the importance of strategic market and stadium selection in driving the league’s growth. In addition, the UFL aims to prioritize signing players with local collegiate ties, fostering community connections and enhancing local support.
The introduction of the Orlando Storm and its sister franchises is part of the UFL’s broader mission to create an innovative football experience, aimed at expanding professional football options beyond the NFL. The UFL draws lessons from past leagues such as the USFL and XFL in its quest for sustainability in the professional football landscape.
Additionally, season ticket holders for Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride will receive priority access to tickets for the Orlando Storm, highlighting the league’s commitment to engaging local fans and building a dedicated base of support. The UFL’s approach aligns with its vision to offer a unique football experience, allowing for direct community involvement while catering to the tastes and interests of local audiences.
In conclusion, with the Orlando Storm set to debut alongside new franchises in Columbus and Louisville, the UFL is forging a path for a fresh and community-focused approach to professional football in 2026.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando City SC News
- WESH News
- United Football League Official Site
- Fox 35 Orlando News
- Click Orlando
- Wikipedia: Orlando Storm
- Google Search: United Football League
- Google Scholar: United Football League 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando Storm
- Google News: UFL Orlando Storm
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
