News Summary
Orlando, Florida is set to add a new professional football team, the Orlando Storm, to the United Football League. Slated to begin in March 2026, the Storm will play at Inter&Co Stadium, which can accommodate 25,000 fans. This expansion is part of the UFL’s broader plan to enhance the football experience in the U.S. with a focus on community engagement and attendance growth. Despite past hurdles with local football franchises, fans are optimistic about the Storm’s arrival.
Orlando, Florida is set to welcome a new professional football team, the Orlando Storm, as the United Football League (UFL) has officially announced the franchise’s addition. The Storm is slated to kick off its inaugural season in March 2026, coinciding with the league’s second season.
The Storm will play its home games at Inter&Co Stadium, located in downtown Orlando. With a seating capacity of 25,000, the stadium already serves as the venue for Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride. The UFL’s decision to utilize smaller, soccer-style stadiums is part of a strategy aimed at enhancing attendance experiences while avoiding the sight of empty seats during games.
The introduction of the Orlando Storm is part of the UFL’s broader expansion plan, which will add three new franchises: the Columbus Aviators, the Louisville Kings, and the Orlando Storm itself. However, it is important to note that the Storm does not represent a traditional expansion team; it replaces the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas from previous seasons.
The UFL, which was founded in 2024 following the merger of the XFL and the United States Football League, is focused on harnessing the popularity of football in the United States. The league’s goal is to offer an alternative to fans without directly competing with the NFL.
Mike Repole, co-owner of the UFL and a significant investor, has highlighted Orlando’s emergence as a key sports city suitable for a professional football franchise. The economic potential of Inter&Co Stadium has been recognized as a vital driver for the Central Florida region. The stadium is expected to not only host football games but also serve as an anchor for community engagement through sports.
As of now, a head coach for the Orlando Storm has yet to be announced, and details regarding the complete 43-game schedule for the UFL will be released at a later date. Nonetheless, fans can begin securing their season tickets, suites, and group reservations through Ticketmaster by placing a deposit ahead of the season.
Despite past challenges faced by previous professional football teams in Orlando, such as the Orlando Renegades and Orlando Guardians, there remains cautious optimism among multitudes of fans regarding the arrival of the Orlando Storm. The unique sports infrastructure that Orlando offers is expected to enhance the overall atmosphere of the games and enrich the experiences for attendees.
To bolster its presence, the UFL has secured broadcasting agreements with major networks, which include Fox Sports, ABC, and ESPN. These partnerships are expected to contribute significantly towards raising the league’s profile and showcasing the games to a national audience.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando City SC
- Fox 35 Orlando
- WESH 2 News
- United Football League Official Site
- My News 13
- Wikipedia: Orlando
- Google Search: United Football League
- Google Scholar: Orlando Storm
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orlando Storm
- Google News: 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.
