UNITED FOOTBALL LEAGUE TO LOCATE NEW TEAM IN OKLAHOMA CITY BEGINNING IN 2028
ARLINGTON, Texas, and OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma – April 9, 2026 — The United Football League (UFL) today announced its plans to launch a new team in Oklahoma City beginning with the 2028 spring football season. As a cornerstone of the league’s growth strategy, the yet-to-be named team will bring high-quality professional football and family-friendly entertainment to Oklahoma.
Championship City, here we come 🙌 pic.twitter.com/CBrYmVN3f5
— UFL Oklahoma City (@UFLOKC) April 9, 2026
“Oklahoma lives and breathes football, so bringing the UFL to Oklahoma City was an easy decision,” said UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole. “This is a state that shows up, cares deeply, and truly understands the game. From college powerhouses to Friday night lights, football runs deep here. We’re committed to building a franchise in OKC that the entire state can rally behind.”
Central to the UFL’s launch strategy will be the team’s home field: the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium. Currently under development in downtown Oklahoma City, the venue is scheduled to open in early 2028 with a capacity of just over 10,000, offering UFL fans a modern football experience in the heart of the city’s burgeoning sports and entertainment district. The team’s name, colors, and branding will be unveiled at a later date with the local OKC community included in the selection process.
“Oklahoma City has long been one of the most glaring vacancies on the professional football map,” said UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. “The combination of a new stadium, deep-rooted football culture, and a city that has proven its ability to support major league sports makes this an easy decision. We are thrilled to bring the UFL’s brand of high-octane spring football to the passionate fans of Oklahoma.”
“Oklahoma City welcomes the UFL to our championship city!” said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. “We love sports and we love football, so we think this should be a great fit. We have always said that the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium opens up new opportunities for our city, and this is a perfect example. We look forward to the UFL’s arrival in 2028!”
The UFL kicked off its third season on Friday, March 27, with eight teams, including the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks. The league is conducting a 10-week regular season followed by playoffs featuring the four best teams, which will compete to play in the 2026 UFL Championship Game on Saturday, June 13.
Building on a Legacy of Football Passion
Oklahoma’s identity is inextricably linked to the sport of football. From the legendary success of the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University to the state’s high school powerhouse programs, the appetite for the game is second-to-none at the collegiate and grade school levels.
A Stadium Fit for Football
BUILT FOR OKC
🏟️: MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium pic.twitter.com/m1NlBhLZcX
— UFL Oklahoma City (@UFLOKC) April 9, 2026
Set to open early 2028, the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium will be a state-of-the-art venue featuring modern amenities, premium fan experiences, and the capacity to host a variety of events in addition to a UFL team, including professional soccer, concerts, rodeo, and other sporting and cultural events.
Designed by global stadium architecture firm Populous, the venue will have an initial capacity of 10,000, with the ability to increase, if needed.
The MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium will anchor a new multi-use cultural district that will unify downtown OKC from the city center to the Oklahoma River. The development, which will be one of the largest downtown districts created to date, will be within walking distance of the new Continental Coliseum, the Oklahoma City Convention Center, Bricktown, and the 70-acre Scissortail Park.
The stadium will be managed by Echo Investment Capital, an OKC-based multi-strategy investment firm founded by Christian Kanady. Lingo Construction serves as the construction manager. Groundbreaking is set to take place in June.
“We are excited to welcome professional football to Oklahoma City and partner with the United Football League,” said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “With the successful sales of the 1910 Founders Club, OKC has demonstrated its readiness for professional soccer in 2028, and we are eager to embrace professional football as well. By introducing another world-class league to OKC, we aim to activate our stadium as the busiest outdoor venue in the country. This initiative will provide a great experience for downtown and for families throughout our community.”
The UFL has an agreement to place a new team in Oklahoma City in time for the 2028 season, the league announced Thursday morning.
OKC will be one of two expansion markets that will begin play in @TheUFL in the next two years. https://t.co/Uw9pXX67bn
— ESPN (@espn) April 9, 2026
For more information about the UFL and its new team in Oklahoma City, visit theufl.com/okc and follow @uflokc .
About the United Football League
The United Football League (UFL) is the premier professional spring football league, powered by the visionary leadership and investment of Mike Repole and Impact Capital, RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and ESPN. Built on innovation, accessibility, and competitive excellence, the UFL delivers the most engaging professional football experience in the world—for both players and fans. The league features eight teams: the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks.
