By RJ Reid
San Antonio’s football history is a well-documented tale of dashed hopes and fleeting franchises. From the San Antonio Toros of the Continental Football League in 1967 to the Commanders of the Alliance of American Football in 2019, the Alamo City has seen teams come and go in a variety of leagues, including the World Football League, the American Football Association, the original United States Football League, the World League of American Football, the original Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League, the Spring Football League, and the National Indoor Football League. Even the NFL’s New Orleans Saints called San Antonio home temporarily after Hurricane Katrina. It’s safe to say San Antonio has experienced the full spectrum of football leagues.
But 2025 paints a different picture, a much brighter one for San Antonio football fans. The city boasts three professional football teams across three different leagues: the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL), entering their third season; the Gunslingers of the Indoor Football League (IFL), embarking on their second season; and the newest addition, the Caballeros of the International Football Alliance (IFA), ready for their inaugural season.
The UFL’s recent announcement of a new headquarters in Arlington signals a commitment to the league’s future, with expansion plans already underway for 2026. The IFL, the longest-running non-NFL professional football league in the United States (operating continuously since 2008), also appears strong, despite three teams going dormant for the 2025 season.
San Antonio offers something for every football enthusiast. The UFL provides a high-quality, NFL-adjacent experience, featuring former NFL players and top collegiate talent, at a fraction of the cost of NFL tickets. For a different flavor, the IFL’s Gunslingers deliver fast-paced, high-octane indoor football in a family-friendly atmosphere. The IFL experience is known for its affordability and exciting gameplay. The IFA’s Caballeros, a developmental league playing traditional NFL-style football, offer fans the chance to see tomorrow’s stars today.
Navigating the Gridiron: A Fan’s Guide to the 2025 Season
With so much football to choose from, San Antonio fans might face some scheduling challenges. Here’s a breakdown to help navigate the season:
- Brahmas vs. Gunslingers: Good news! The Brahmas and Gunslingers have no scheduling conflicts throughout the 2025 season, allowing fans to enjoy both teams without compromise.
- Brahmas vs. Caballeros: The Brahmas and Caballeros seasons largely dovetail. The Brahmas’ last home game against the Arlington Renegades is on June 1st, while the Caballeros’ season begins on June 7th at home against the Dallas Pioneros. The only potential conflict arises if the Brahmas make the UFL Championship game on June 14th, which coincides with the Caballeros’ road game against the Ohio Valley Ironmen.
- Gunslingers vs. Caballeros: This is where scheduling conflicts arise. While game times aren’t currently available, it’s reasonable to assume a 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm kickoff, given the outdoor games in Texas during late spring and early summer. If this is the case, there will be significant overlap. Of the Caballeros’ eight games, only two are currently free of conflict with the Gunslingers. Both teams have home games on June 7th and July 26th, forcing fans to choose. The indoor/outdoor venue difference could be a deciding factor. For other overlapping game days, fans can stream both teams simultaneously. The IFA streams on Right Now TV and LightOut Sports, while the IFL streams on YouTube and CaffeineTV. Rumors suggest the IFL might be changing its streaming platform, but no official announcement has been made.
Conclusion
Despite a history of football franchises folding in San Antonio, 2025 presents a unique opportunity for fans. With three leagues in action, the city is a true spring football destination. While some scheduling conflicts exist, careful planning and streaming options allow fans to experience the excitement of all three leagues. It’s an exciting time to be a football fan in San Antonio.