The United Football League kicked off its 2026 campaign over the March 27-29 weekend. It marks the start of a 10-week regular season with four exciting games. The new groundbreaking four-point field goal for kicks of 60 yards or longer, immediately stole the spotlight. Several established contenders and expansion squads delivered competitive action. Attendance across the four games was encouraging, signaling strong fan interest in the revamped eight-team league.
Matchups and Results
Friday, March 27: Birmingham Stallions 15, Louisville Kings 13
Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, KY | Attendance: 14,034
The season opener featured the veteran Birmingham Stallions traveling to face the brand-new Louisville Kings in a tight, low-scoring affair. Matt Corral led the Stallions with a solid 21-of-30 performance for 208 yards and a touchdown. Jaydon Mickens hauled in nine passes for 108 yards. The Kings, in their debut, got a strong showing from QB Jason Bean. He was 14-of-27, 226 yards, 1 TD, but two interceptions proved costly. Birmingham pulled out a narrow 15-13 victory in a game that showcased the Kings’ potential as an expansion team.
Saturday, March 28: St. Louis Battlehawks 16, DC Defenders 10
The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, MO | Attendance: 31,191
One of the marquee early-season clashes pitted the Battlehawks against the defending champion DC Defenders. St. Louis controlled the game defensively, with OLB Pita Taumoepenu racking up 6 tackles and 2.5 sacks. QB Brandon Silvers added 198 passing yards and a touchdown. The Defenders’ Jordan Ta’amu struggled, completing just 9-of-16 for 123 yards. But the real story was history in the making: DC kicker Matt McCrane drilled a 60-yard field goal. This was the first-ever 4-point field goal in UFL history under the league’s new 2026 rule rewarding long-range kicks. It gave the Defenders an early 4-0 lead, though St. Louis rallied for the 16-10 win.
Saturday, March 28: Dallas Renegades 36, Houston Gamblers 17
Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX | Attendance: 8,870
The Battle of Texas turned into a Renegades romp. Dallas QB Austin Reed exploded for 376 passing yards and three touchdowns in his debut. He connected with Tyler Vaughns (7 catches, 144 yards, 1 TD) and Greg Ward (3 catches, 93 yards, 1 TD). A Steven Jones pick-six set the tone early. Houston’s Hunter Dekkers threw for 227 yards, but the Gamblers couldn’t keep pace in a 36-17 defeat.
Sunday, March 29: Orlando Storm 23, Columbus Aviators 16
Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, FL | Attendance: 11,127
In a battle of new-look squads, the Orlando Storm earned a historic first victory in franchise form. Jack Plummer went 17-of-22 for 245 yards and a touchdown, with Elijhah Badger exploding for 132 yards on four receptions. Columbus got a solid effort from Jalan McClendon (212 yards). Zaquandre White rushed for a touchdown, but the Storm pulled away late for the 23-16 win.
Week 1 Standings Snapshot
- 1-0: Birmingham Stallions, St. Louis Battlehawks, Dallas Renegades, Orlando Storm
- 0-1: Louisville Kings, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Columbus Aviators
Attendance Figures Shine Bright
Week 1 crowds reflected growing enthusiasm for spring football:
- St. Louis Battlehawks: 31,191 (league high, packed Dome)
- Louisville Kings: 14,034 (strong debut in new market)
- Orlando Storm: 11,127
- Dallas Renegades: 8,870
Total attendance topped 65,000 across four games, with the league averaging over 16,000 fans per contest. This was an uptick from recent seasons and a promising sign for 2026.
The four-point field goal rule already proved it could change strategy and excitement levels. Week 2 features intriguing follow-ups, including the Stallions visiting the Gamblers and the Battlehawks hosting the red-hot Renegades. The 2026 UFL is off to a fast, fun start—complete with history, upsets, and packed (or near-packed) stadiums. Stay locked in; this league is delivering.
