By Jim Carchidi
The United Football League (UFL) is welcoming the Orlando Storm as one of three expansion teams that will begin playing in 2026.
The league website on the morning of October 7 posted a new team roster that featured the Storm, the Columbus Aviators, and Louisville Kings. The lineup also includes two team rebrands: the Dallas Renegades, formerly Arlington Renegades, and Houston Gamblers, formerly the Houston Roughnecks. The eight-team lineup is rounded out by the returning D.C. Defenders, St. Louis Battlehawks, and Birmingham Stallions.
From left: Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, UFL owner Mike Repole, UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon, and Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel gather for a photo op during an Orlando Storm press event at Inter & Co Stadium on October 7. Photo by Jim Carchidi
How it began
The UFL is the result of a 2024 merger between the XFL and the United States Football League. The Orlando Guardians of the XFL were among the teams that did not make the final eight-market roster, but and email sent to fans and supporters last week announced the league's intent to part ways with its Memphis, Michigan, and San Antonio markets and add new franchises. The notice cited stadium sizes that don’t align with a new league vision that emphasizes, “playing in more intimate venues that elevate the fan experience and bring unmatched energy to game day.”
UFL owner and longtime Orlando resident, Mike Repole, describes the vision as being, "approachable, accessible, and affordable."
Repole joined the league in July of 2025 and leads business operations. He was among a group of city leaders and league officials on hand for an October 7 press conference at Inter & Co Stadium.
UFL owner Mike Repole speaks about the league vision at an October 7 press event at Inter & Co Stadium. Photo by Jim Carchidi
He said plans to bring football back to Orlando began two years ago, noting the city's love for the game and its history of franchises that includes the Apollos and the Guardians, which played one season in the Alliance of American Football in 2019. He also thanked UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, and Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel for their help before elaborating on the new league vision.
Approachable
"This is arena football outdoors," Repole said, referencing the success of the Orlando Predators, which played a combined 29 seasons in the former Arena League and National Arena League. Inter & Co Stadium opened in 2017 and is home to Orlando City FC and the Orlando Pride. The venue boasts a 25,500-seat capacity that offers better field views and a more lively atmosphere. "You didn't have stadiums like this 10 years ago for football games," Repole said, "so it will be something special."
Accessible
The league’s 2025 free agency period began on October 1, allowing players who have two or more consecutive seasons with the same team to sign with any club across the league. However, Repole discussed an effort to maintain statewide connections in choosing Orlando Storm players and coaching staff. He said the idea was to take advantage of college fandom and to offer another avenue of success for talent. "There are so many great players that come out of this state and only .0001% make it to the NFL" he said. "We want to help others make it to that next level."
Affordable
Another focus is on ticket costs. While price points are still in discussion, Repole said fans can expect a stark contrast to the high prices of most pro sports events. "We want people to get to the stadium for $200 to cover a family of five," he said, "then come back the week after with two friends and their families of five."
The 10-game season begins in late March with two championship games scheduled in June. For more information on the Orlando Storm, log onto the UFL website.
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