UFL Announces Exit from Birmingham and Houston
The United Football League confirmed that it will cease operations in Birmingham and Houston after the conclusion of the current season, marking a decisive shift in its market strategy.
Both cities had been part of the league’s spring football experiment, with the Birmingham Stallions calling Protective Stadium home and the Houston Gamblers using Shell Energy Stadium as their venue.
The decision stems from logistical and financial considerations, notably the mismatch between the stadium sizes and the league’s expectations for attendance and revenue.
UFL co‑owner Mike Repole emphasized that the move does not diminish the commitment of players, coaches, fans, local partners, or civic leaders in either city.
Looking ahead, the league plans to introduce two new markets for the 2027 season and grow to a ten‑team format by 2028, with Oklahoma City slated as one of the expansion sites.
The transition reflects a broader effort to align venue capacity, scheduling consistency, and brand identity across the league’s footprint.