UFL Announces Major Expansion, Adding Teams in Colorado, Rhode Island, Oklahoma and Utah
ARLINGTON, Texas - The United Football League is preparing for its largest expansion yet, announcing four new markets that will grow the professional spring football league to 10 teams by 2028.
Colorado Springs and Rhode Island will begin play in 2027, followed by Oklahoma and Utah in 2028. The expansion will give the UFL a significantly broader geographic footprint, stretching from New England to the Mountain West and into Oklahoma.
The announcement comes after a 2026 season in which the league introduced new markets and venues along with several on-field changes, including a four-point field goal for kicks of 60 yards or longer and an increased emphasis on transparent officiating.
The UFL said numerous games surpassed 1 million viewers during the season and overall ticket sales increased. The United Bowl sold out as the Louisville Kings captured the championship during their inaugural season.
The league also continued serving as a pathway to the NFL. According to the UFL, 118 former league players participated in NFL training camps, with 46 ultimately earning spots on NFL active rosters or practice squads.
"2026 was an incredible year for the UFL, and seeing the response from our fans, players, and partners has made what comes next even more exciting," UFL co-owner Mike Repole said.
Repole said the league had been evaluating markets, venues and potential fan bases as it considered where to expand.
Oklahoma City Getting UFL Team in 2028
Oklahoma will enter the league for the 2028 season, with the franchise based in Oklahoma City.
The team will play at the new MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium under construction in downtown Oklahoma City. The stadium broke ground in June and is scheduled to open in early 2028, putting its planned completion in line with the UFL franchise's inaugural season.
The multipurpose venue is planned as the centerpiece of a new sports and entertainment district and is being designed to accommodate professional sports, concerts, rodeo and other events.
The UFL pointed to Oklahoma's established football following, including the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University as well as the state's high school football programs, as part of the appeal of the market.
The Oklahoma franchise's name, colors, logo and other branding have not been announced. Additional information about the team's launch and ticketing will be released closer to the 2028 season.
Colorado Springs Joins in 2027
Colorado Springs will be among the first two new markets to begin play.
The Colorado franchise will make its debut during the 2027 season and play its home games at Weidner Field in downtown Colorado Springs, the home of Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.
The stadium's elevation will give the franchise an unusual distinction.
Weidner Field sits 6,035 feet above sea level, more than 750 feet higher than Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. According to the UFL, that will make it the highest-elevation home venue for a professional football team when league play begins there.
Opened in 2021, Weidner Field has hosted professional and college sporting events, concerts and festivals. Its previous events include the 2024 USL Championship Final and NCAA Division II championships.
Colorado's inaugural home game is scheduled for Sunday, April 11, 2027, at 3 p.m. ET and will be televised nationally on ABC.
Fans will not have to wait until next season to learn the team's identity. The UFL plans to reveal the Colorado franchise's name, colors, logo and branding during a public event at Weidner Field on Oct. 25. Season-ticket deposits will also become available at the event.
Professional Football Returning to Pawtucket
Rhode Island will also begin UFL play in 2027, with its franchise based in Pawtucket.
The team will play at Centreville Bank Stadium along the Seekonk River in downtown Pawtucket. The stadium opened in 2025 and serves as the home of Rhode Island FC.
The venue has already expanded beyond professional soccer. It hosted the University of Rhode Island's 2026 home football schedule and is scheduled to host the Brown-Harvard game on Sept. 25. Rugby and lacrosse events have also been held there.
Pawtucket also has a long professional sports history. The city was home to the Pawtucket Red Sox for 50 years before the minor league baseball franchise relocated. The UFL said Rhode Island FC's presence also helped demonstrate the market's ability to support professional sports.
Rhode Island's first UFL home game is scheduled for Friday, April 2, 2027, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be televised nationally as part of FOX UFL Friday.
The team's name, colors and logo will be revealed during a public event at Centreville Bank Stadium on Oct. 18, when fans will also be able to make season-ticket deposits.
Utah Added for 2028 Season
Utah will enter alongside Oklahoma in 2028, completing the UFL's planned expansion to 10 teams.
The Utah franchise will play at America First Field in Sandy, which is already home to Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals FC.
The UFL cited Utah's existing football following and expanding professional sports market in selecting the state.
The University of Utah and BYU compete in the Big 12, while Utah State competes in the Pac-12. The league also cited a 2026 statewide poll in which 56% of Utah voters identified themselves as avid or casual college football fans.
Utah's professional sports market includes the Utah Jazz, Utah Mammoth, Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals. The Salt Lake City area is also preparing to host the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
The UFL has not announced a name, logo or launch schedule for the Utah franchise. Those details will be released later as the 2028 season approaches.
Expansion Will Bring UFL to 10 Teams
The four additions are being developed through partnerships with local sports organizations, stadium operators and other entities.
In Colorado, the UFL is working with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Weidner Field. Rhode Island FC and Centreville Bank Stadium are involved in Pawtucket. In Utah, partners include Miller Sports + Entertainment, Real Salt Lake, the Utah Royals and America First Field. Oklahoma City United, Echo Investment and the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium are involved with the Oklahoma franchise.
Colorado Springs and Rhode Island will provide the first look at the UFL's next expansion phase when they take the field in 2027.
Oklahoma and Utah will follow one year later, bringing the league to its planned 10-team lineup for the 2028 season.
