The UFL is ceasing operations of the Birmingham Stallions and Houston Gamblers as part of its market realignment and long-term growth strategy. Two new replacement markets will be added for the 2027 season, and the league still plans to expand to 10 teams by 2028, including the addition of Oklahoma City. The UFL has been actively evaluating markets across the country. The league has targeted a 12-team league by 2030, but with interest from prospective markets and league momentum that timeline may be accelerated to 2029. League leadership has engaged with numerous cities, venue operators, business leaders and public officials across the country to evaluate opportunities (UFL).
The UFL departs Birmingham after five seasons, the “longest stint of professional spring football” in the market’s history. League officials said that it “blames its decision on the optics of raucous ‘giddy-up’ Stallion crowds being dwarfed inside the 47,000-seat Protective Stadium.” The median capacity for venues in the league’s eight cities “in the most recent seasons was 21,250.” Jefferson County Commission Chair Jimmie Stephens said, “They said the stadium didn’t provide the atmosphere they were seeking and did not fit in their business model.” Still, according to Gene Hallman, CEO of Alabama-based Eventive Sports, which handled ticket sales, the franchise had “substantial ticket revenue growth from 2025 to 2026.” UFL co-owner Mike Repole on June 21 posted on social media: “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.” And even prior to the 2026 season, Repole “threatened to yank the Stallions if season ticket sales didn’t increase.” They did, but it “wasn’t enough.” Neither were the “financial commitments of public funds that essentially allowed the Stallions to play at minimal cost” (AL.com, 7/30).
