Columbus will be the home of a professional football team starting in the spring 2026 season, according to a spokesman with the United Football League.
League spokesperson Mike Wade confirmed Columbus will be the home of a new team for the spring football league. Wade said more details about the team will be available at a later date.
The league did not say whether the team will be an expansion of the league's eight teams or if an existing team will relocate to Columbus.
ESPN first reported the news after interviewing league investor Mike Repole.
A spokesperson for the Columbus Crew confirmed the UFL team will play at Historic Crew Stadium.
The spokesperson issued the following statement:
“The UFL selecting Historic Crew Stadium to host a team’s home games is a further testament to the first-class fan experience at our venue, as well as advances our commitment to bringing unique major events to Columbus that highlight our city and promote economic impact in the region. It’s also the result of Columbus’ continued growth and its long-standing passion for supporting sports.”
Mayor Andrew Ginther said, "Columbus is an attractive market and we’re supportive of new enterprises that promise to bring prosperity and investments to the city."
The UFL started in 2024 after the XFL and United States Football League merged. There are currently eight teams in the league:
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Houston, Texas
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Detroit, Michigan
- Arlington, Texas
- Washington D.C.
- San Antonio, Texas
- St. Louis, Missouri
Each team consists of a 50-man roster. Several former NFL players play in the league.
