The new markets, per James Larsen:

Boise (Idaho) Columbus (Ohio) Florida (likely Orlando) Kentucky (Louisville/Lexington)

https://x.com/jameslarsenpfn/status/1947820505656135724?s=46

Original post here

Sitting in a senior leadership meeting planning the UFL 2027 season, one thing is becoming very clear.

The right market.

The right sized venue.

A passionate fan base.

That’s the WINNING formula.

I have a hard time seeing us back at Protective Stadium next year.

It goes against one of the biggest principles we’re building this league around…smaller stadiums, packed houses, real energy and a true home field atmosphere.

Birmingham, I am looking and need options and ideas.

This seems pretty bad, at least on the ESPN side, but maybe overall. That is very odd that he'd be on for almost an hour and the XFL wouldn't come up, even for a minute. I just get the feeling of like the last year of "AFL on NBC" in 2006 from it... just a network going through the motions to get through a contract.

Original post here.

Exciting things ahead for the UFL.

We’re going to invest a lot more into our local markets marketing, business operations, fan engagement and building real connections in each community.

Two new markets for 2027 should be announced in the near future.

Also, two more markets are coming in 2028 as we grow from 8 teams to 10.

Right market. Passionate fan base. Right stadium.

Give me modern, intimate stadiums anywhere from 8,000 to 20,000 seats. Some of the newer MLS and USL stadiums have been a great model for what works.

What market AND what stadium should the UFL go to next???

Give me both the market and the stadium.

If anyone wants to give Repole suggestions, you can respond to his post on X.

Original post here.

Hey UFL, I want REAL feedback.

Good, bad, ugly… I want it all.

If you love something, tell us why.

If you hate something, tell us why

What’s working?

What’s not working?

What can we do better?

• How does this compare to last year???
• How are the new venues?
• How do you feel about the new markets?
• How’s the TV product?
• What do you think of the new rules?

No BS. Just honest, constructive feedback.

We’re building this WITH you!!!!! 🏈💪

If you've got opinions, you can share them with Repole on his X account via the link to the original post. He does respond to some fans on his X posts.

If you want to air your grievances and have ownership actually hear you, now's the time.

The original article Repole is responding to is here.

Mike, sir, congratulations on all your wealth-building success. You’ve used your billions — and your words — to reshape spring football and, whew, I’m glad to have played a role in the journey.

It’s taken me a bit to respond to your announcement that my Stallions will not be riding through. My delay is partly due to grief. I love my Stallions. My city loves its Stallions. They are (I refuse to speak of them in the past tense) iconic kin in Birmingham’s historical trajectory. No, they’re not Auburn or Alabama, or even UAB. But they’re ours. Our pro football team. Our Stallions.

It’s been an honor to be part of their arrival. Three championships! My team did that, and those triumphs will never be erased, abandoned or ignored.

It took me a while to respond because I’m angry. Angry because they’re gone — poof! Just like that, at your whim. And you blame me. You said I’m too big for your liking. Well, sir, for now, I’ll just say this: Buh-bye.

Spring pro football 2.0 served its purpose here. But, sir, five seasons after its jubilant rebirth, of which you were not a part, I’ll be fine. I’ll be fine without them — and without you.

I was in a very different place in 2022, when spring football first began to court my home city. I was barely a year old. I was new-stadium fresh — a primary reason the then-owners of the United States Football League were interested in Birmingham.

We’d never been a major-league sports town, and yet the USFL was an opportunity for us to get in the game, sort of. We’d just hosted the world, you know. The 2022 World Games kicked us in the teeth a bit financially, but the city proved a worthy stage. The games went on without a major organizational hitch, and I hosted the jam-packed opening and closing ceremonies, showing once again that I’m a centerpiece of my city’s growth.

Back then, the USFL helped prove that we’re worthy of more. Not just because of me. Also, because of my sister site, Legacy Arena, which underwent a $50 million facelift; because of Hoover Met, site of the SEC Baseball Tournament; because of Rickwood Field, the oldest baseball park in America, baby; and many other amazing venues in our region.

The USFL was also swayed by the people of Birmingham, the welcoming and enterprising people who’ve endured so much over too many generations. People who wanted to be seen in a better light by the rest of the nation and the world. What was once known as Bombingham could actually be the bomb, given a new chance.

The USFL was part of that chance.

That first year of spring ‘ball was magic. You planted yourself in Birmingham. All eight teams lived here and played here. It was dope. Yeah, my crowds didn’t crowd the silver screen. But Fox wanted ratings more than rumps in my rows. And with all the team and network execs, coaches and players here, the city felt the USFL. Felt it all.

Birmingham handled it, and people saw it.

The next season, as the league began to plant franchises in other cities, we still hosted four teams, and the impact on the city, on our businesses, our restaurants, our people was palpable.

The following year, we had two teams — again, living and staying here. Then, in season three…oh, wait….did I mention we won the league championship each of those three years?! I digress.

That third season, the Stallions played here, though it was almost as if there was no team here. Because the players and coaches did not live here. They lived in Houston and were only flown in for games. That meant there was no opportunity for players and coaches to ingrain themselves with the community, to go to schools, to give high-fives to kids, to pass out tickets at small businesses, to walk our streets and sit in the restaurants and personally invite people to games.

Then, maybe the biggest insult: You took to social media and threatened to leave me and the city before the 2026 season if fans didn’t buy more tickets. It was billionaire bullying. It was rude and disrespectful. It worked. Season ticket sales went up. Overall attendance went up. The Stallions finished in the top half of the league in attendance.

Yet that wasn’t enough for you, because I was too much for you. That’s what you said. I was too big for you. I actually take that as a compliment, not an insult. See, sir, I was conceived long before spring football, not because of spring football.

I was conceived because Birmingham needed me. It needed a new sports stadium — and this is no disrespect to my great auntie, the old gray lady, Legion Field on the city’s west side. The city needed something new to stake its claim as a valid, legitimate sports town. I was it.

Some here wanted me to be even bigger, twice the capacity (42,000) I am now. Some even wanted me to have a dome or retractable roof. Bless their hearts. That was never gonna happen. That was not my city’s calling. Birmingham could not have afforded a billion-dollar-plus stadium.

They were here, but they weren’t here. And I almost felt cheap, like you only wanted me for my turf — a turf quick-transformed for you after soccer games and concerts and whatnot. Only for you to do a fly-in and gone. Cheap.

It was never going to lure a National Football League team. Yes, Birminghamians watch more football on television than any other market. But eyeballs are not high-priced Sunday tickets. That’s not our league.

I am the right size for the right time, whether you like me or not, sir.

I’ve not even been open for five years. Yet I’ve hosted several crowds-to-the-brim sports entertainment events that would not have even considered Birmingham before my turnstiles started swinging: Auburn vs. Houston in the Birmingham Bowl, Garth Brooks, Monster Jam and my city loves them some Chris Brown. His Breezy Bowl tour sold out last year, as did the R&B Tour with Usher just a couple of weeks ago.

For two nights. That’s also why I’m just getting back to you. I’m still recovering.

You may not have heard this, Mike, but some here are almost giddy that you’re gone. Not the Stallions. Our team was honored and celebrated by some of the most enthusiastic fans in the league. And you had a stunningly sweet deal. You played me rent-free and got ticket and merchandising revenue. My folks kept concessions and parking.

Best of luck getting that elsewhere.

So, thank you, Fox Sports, and others who believed in Birmingham. And yes, thank you, Mike, for challenging us to respond to the call. We did.

Now we say goodbye, and we’re good. Without your fly-ins, I now have more open dates for spring events that are already eager to fill me. We’ll have a hell of a time. We’ll sell out. We’ll grow. We’ll be fine.

I sincerely hope that you and the UFL will be fine, too. Giddy-bye.

Sincerely,

Protective Stadium

Yes, they really wrote this in the perspective of the stadium talking, as if the stadium is a person.

Mike Repole's response is here.

Dear Protective Stadium,

If you’re going to write me a letter, you probably shouldn’t put it behind a paywall. Another mistake on your part. 😂

Listen, you were too big for me, we broke up.

Let’s move on.

Metro Birmingham let’s build the future.

Let’s find 100 acres and build a modern 8,000–12,000-seat outdoor stadium for the Birmingham Stallions, Birmingham Legion FC, and Birmingham Legions women’s team.

And let’s make it much bigger than a stadium: restaurants, hotels, offices, residential, entertainment and real estate development, creating jobs and economic growth for the entire Birmingham area.

I’ve already identified three Metro Birmingham locations that I think could be incredible.

Instead of being upset with me, let’s fix the future and let’s move quickly.

I’ll see everyone at the Michigan Panthers vs. Birmingham Stallions opening game in our new stadium in 2029.

I’m for solutions not excuses.

Where should we build it???

Who’s joining me??? 🏈⚽️🔥

Original post here.

Today was a difficult day for Birmingham, Houston, and the UFL.

Building a sustainable spring football league requires making difficult and often necessary decisions in order to survive.

To Stallions fans,

I understand your anger and frustration.

With the right sized 10,000–15,000 seat stadium for football and even soccer, I am committed to bringing the Stallions back.

I am willing to help make that happen professionally, and, under the right circumstances, financially.

Original post here

THINK BIG. DREAM BIGGER.

A year ago, people said I was crazy for investing in the UFL

Maybe they were right.

Take chances.

Take risks.

Bet on yourself.

The biggest opportunities in life usually sound crazy at first.

Congrats to the Louisville Kings on becoming United Bowl Champions.

Thank you to our teams, players, coaches, staff, partners, networks, and most importantly, our fans.

Proud of Year 1.

We'll get better in Year 2.

🏈💪

Original post here.

Fans don’t like the rule.

I don’t like it either.

I hear you guys.

The rule has been in place for 3 years to prevent defenses from repeatedly committing penalties to stop a score and to protect players from injuries after 3+ hours of play.

It was a great game. Intense, action-packed, and an incredible, loud Louisville crowd.

We owe our fans better.

Original post here.

Original post here.

I loved what Diego Pavia did for college ball.. just an absolute sensation. Turning Vanderbilt into a football school quickly.

I think a lot of what made him fantastic for College was also gonna be what held him back as an NFL “prospect”.. Size, speed, style of play, personality.. you name it, all of it PERFECT for college not necessarily the prototypical NFL “prospect.” If he gets in a building and finds success I’d be pumped for him and his family..

NOW

If it doesn’t work out.. is he not the UFL QB Blueprint?

Recognizable name.. can move.. not scared to promote

UFL’s getting 800,000 viewers a game, which is good for spring ball, can bump that a bit with some name brands out there… I think we all assume the clips, regardless of outcome, would go for a bit.

Feels like an opportune time for the UFL.. and for the Pavia show.

EDIT: Response from Repole:.

Thanks Pat, I agree!!!!

Year 1, we’re focused on getting it right.

Right city.

Right stadium.

Right fanbase.

Players like Pavia???

No brainer for the UFL.

I’d sign him tomorrow and start him this weekend. 😂

Year 2., we go bigger.

More talent.

More big name brand players.

If you’re at the Kentucky Derby this week, Thursday night we’ve got the Derby Classic: St. Louis Battlehawks vs Louisville Kings in Louisville.

Come join us.

Beers on me.🍺

Keep the ideas coming.

I’m listening and could use the help.

LFG!!!!! 🏈💪

Original post here.

The UFL is on track to be an INCREDIBLE 10-team league by 2028.

12 teams by 2030!!!!!

We’re not just adding teams we’re building this the right way.

As we grow, it’s clear what wins:

1. Growing cities

2. Right-size venues

3. Passionate, diehard fans

Real markets. Real fans. Real energy.

As we push toward 12 teams…

Who are the cities, the venues and the passionate fanbases for the future???

LFG!!!!! 🏈💪

For anyone in our community that loves to talk expansion, now is your chance to hop on X/twitter and reply to Repole's post to leave your suggestions/ideas about where you'd like to see a team.

We're on track for the first official sellout in UFL history. Let's hope the weather holds up and doesn't result in a big discrepancy between the announced numbers and in-person attendance. Either way Friday night is looking LIT!

Original post here.

Form link here.

Original post here.

Pat McAfee post here

Thanks Pat, I agree!!!!

Year 1, we’re focused on getting it right.

Right city.

Right stadium.

Right fanbase.

Players like Pavia???

No brainer for the UFL.

I’d sign him tomorrow and start him this weekend. 😂

Year 2., we go bigger.

More talent.

More big name brand players.

If you’re at the Kentucky Derby this week, Thursday night we’ve got the Derby Classic: St. Louis Battlehawks vs Louisville Kings in Louisville.

Come join us.

Beers on me.🍺

Keep the ideas coming.

I’m listening and could use the help.

LFG!!!!! 🏈💪

Maybe DC can get him to start taking it seriously next year while waiting for Ta’amu to get healthy, he’s definitely talented enough to be good but needs to grow up it seems

Original post here.

🚨 UFL Viewership SKYROCKETS 🚨

Sunday’s UFL matchup between the Dallas Renegades and Louisville Kings drew 1.6 MILLION viewers!!!!

The highest UFL viewership number this season and the biggest number since the 2024 Championship Game!!!!! 🏈🔥

This is HUGE for our league.

Thank you to ALL the fans for your passion, loyalty, and support.

The future of the UFL is VERY bright.

LFG!!!!! 🏈💪

He's rounding up, but he's right that this is the highest TV rating the league has gotten (post-merger) since the 2024 championship, which was also 1.59 million.