2026 UFL Schedule: Everything You Need to Know About the Third Season
The United Football League (UFL) is gearing up for its third season, bringing a refreshed lineup of teams, coaches, and venues to the spring football landscape. With a packed 43-game slate and an expanded media presence, the 2026 season promises to blend established league legacies with new market energy.
UFL 2026 Broadcast Partners and Viewing Options
Fans can catch every moment of the action through a comprehensive media partnership. A combination of FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and the ESPN App will broadcast all 43 games of the season. To further expand its reach, the league will air select games in Spanish via FOX Deportes, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN App.
A centerpiece of the broadcast strategy is FOX UFL Friday. This dedicated night of action will take place every Friday throughout the 10-week regular season, providing a consistent destination for fans to follow the league’s progress.
The Season Opener: Old School Meets New School
The 2026 season officially kicks off on Friday, March 27, at 8:00 p.m. ET. The premiere matchup sets a high bar for the season, featuring a clash between a seasoned champion and a fresh contender.
The three-time spring football league champion Birmingham Stallions, now led by Head Coach AJ McCarron, will travel to Louisville to face the Louisville Kings. The Kings enter the league as newcomers under the direction of Head Coach and Louisville Cardinals standout Chris Redman. The game will be hosted at Lynn Family Stadium.
2026 Regular Season and Playoff Calendar
The UFL follows a condensed, high-intensity schedule designed to keep fans engaged through the spring. The 10-week regular season runs from late March through May, leading directly into the postseason.
Regular Season Weekly Breakdown
- Week 1: March 27–29
- Week 2: April 3–7
- Week 3: April 10–12
- Week 4: April 16–18
- Week 5: April 24–26
- Week 6: April 30–May 3
- Week 7: May 8–10
- Week 8: May 15–17
- Week 9: May 22–24
- Week 10: May 29–31
Following the conclusion of the regular season on May 31, the playoffs will begin the week of June 7, culminating in the championship game later that month.
Elevating the Fan Experience
The UFL is focusing heavily on the “game day” atmosphere to attract a broader audience. The 2026 season introduces several entertainment-driven initiatives:
- City Celebrations: Teams will host special theme nights during their home openers to honor the spirit, culture, and history of their respective cities.
- Game Day Events: Contests will feature robust fan fests, musical acts, giveaways, and various ticket incentives.
Ticket Information
For those looking to attend games in person, single-game tickets become available to the public on Monday, February 2, starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. Information regarding season, group, and suite packages is available through the official league website.
Key Takeaways for the 2026 Season
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Start | March 27, 2026 |
| Regular Season Length | 10 Weeks |
| Total Games | 43 |
| Primary Broadcasts | FOX, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 |
| Playoffs Start | Week of June 7, 2026 |
With new uniforms and new head coaches taking the helm, the 2026 UFL season is positioned as a pivotal year for the league’s growth. As the Birmingham Stallions look to defend their legacy against newcomers like the Louisville Kings, the league’s expanded media footprint ensures that spring football is more accessible than ever.