While there has been plenty of speculation about the future of the UFL, this much is clear: changes are coming to the spring football league that was born out of the merger between the XFL and USFL.
That includes Thursday’s announcement that it has added billionaire Mike Repole to its group of investors, with the Vitaminwater co-founder set to take over the league’s business operations.
“Football has clearly established itself as America’s most popular sport, with tremendous momentum and demand,” Repole said in a statement. “There’s no better time than now to build a strong, sustainable spring league that unites players, teams, and fans. I’m honored to join the United Football League’s ownership group as we work to create something truly lasting and game-changing.”
View this post on Instagram
In an interview with ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Repole laid out his vision for the league. And in addition to confirming that multiple teams will relocate, he also revealed that he envisions the UFL expanding from its current eight teams to 10-12 teams within the next five years and ultimately 16 teams within the next 10 years.
“We’re going to be aggressive as far as being nimble and scrappy and gritty and making aggressive moves,” he said. “If by 2035, if we can’t have 16 teams, I’m going to consider it a personal failure. This is it. Other leagues didn’t have the capital that this league has, didn’t have the media giants that this league has, didn’t have the entrepreneurs that this team has.”
More immediately, Repole has his eye on the league’s issues wit attendance and atmospheres, which have been apparent in each of its markets except St. Louis. As for relocation plans, he said that at least two teams will move for the 2026 season, including one to Columbus, Ohio.
While the UFL has strong financial backing — other investors include RedBird Capital Partners, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, FOX and ESPN — it has failed to find its footing since its formation in 2024, which has been evident in both the attendance issues and the TV ratings. The history of spring football in the United States also shows that the league is facing an uphill climb as there has yet to be a league that has sustained a significant run despite several tries.
Typically, the three-year mark is where most spring football leagues — even they have even lasted that long— would consider folding. But while doing so will certainly be easier said than done, the idea of the UFL expanding to half as many teams as the NFL certainly suggests this isn’t a league that sees itself disappearing anytime soon.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.