How Many Teams in the United Football League? (2025)

By Sarah Miller · February 13, 2049

The United Football League (UFL) currently consists of 8 teams, evenly split between two conferences: the XFL Conference and the USFL Conference. These teams represent a merger of the former XFL and USFL leagues, unified under the UFL banner starting in 2024 to create a stronger spring professional football platform.

Understanding the United Football League Structure

Launched in 2024, the United Football League (UFL) is the result of a strategic merger between the XFL and the USFL—two prominent spring football leagues. The goal was to consolidate resources, talent, and fan engagement into a single, sustainable league offering high-level competition outside the NFL season.

Key Features of the UFL

Operates during the spring and early summer (March to June)
Combines elements from both predecessor leagues
Designed as a developmental and alternative professional football platform
Features a balanced schedule with regular season, conference championships, and a UFL Championship game

UFL Teams by Conference

The 8-team structure is divided into two conferences, each containing four teams. This alignment fosters competitive balance and regional rivalries while streamlining travel logistics.

XFL Conference

Arlington Renegades
D.C. Defenders
San Antonio Brahmas
St. Louis Battlehawks

USFL Conference

Birmingham Stallions
Houston Roughnecks
Miami Generals
New Jersey Generals

Detailed Team and Market Overview

Team	Conference	Home City	Stadium	Head Coach (2025)	Notable Alumni/Players
Arlington Renegades	XFL	Arlington, TX	Choctaw Stadium	Bob Stoops	Lane Johnson (Eagles), Jordan Ta'amu
D.C. Defenders	XFL	Washington, D.C.	Audi Field	Reggie Barlow	Johnnie Dixon, Madre Harper
San Antonio Brahmas	XFL	San Antonio, TX	Alamodome	Hervé Toure	Josh Johnson, DeMarvion Overshown
St. Louis Battlehawks	XFL	St. Louis, MO	The Dome at America's Center	Anthony Becht	Kevin Sumlin, Darius Victor
Birmingham Stallions	USFL	Birmingham, AL	Protective Stadium	Jeff Fisher	Vince Mayle, Alex McGough
Houston Roughnecks	USFL	Houston, TX	TDECU Stadium	Curtis Johnson	Cam Phillips, Joe Ostman
Miami Generals	USFL	Miami, FL	Hard Rock Stadium	Mike Riley	Devin Gray, Chris Rowland
New Jersey Generals	USFL	Albany, NY*	Tom & Mary Casey Stadium	Craig Bohl	Darren Waller, Jordan Chunn

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table highlights key operational details including team locations, coaching staff, and home venues. Notably, the New Jersey Generals play in Albany due to logistical and stadium availability constraints. The presence of experienced coaches like Bob Stoops and Jeff Fisher adds credibility and visibility to the league. Player alumni connections to the NFL demonstrate the UFL’s role in player development and scouting pipelines.

How the Merger Shaped the Current UFL

The 2024 merger between the XFL and USFL was a pivotal moment in spring football history. Rather than competing for fans and broadcast rights, the leagues combined under one brand to improve financial stability and media exposure. The selection of eight teams was based on market strength, fan support, stadium quality, and past performance.

Factors Influencing Team Selection

Proven attendance records (e.g., St. Louis Battlehawks led with over 29,000 avg. in 2023)
Strong local media markets
Quality of stadium infrastructure
Ownership group stability
Geographic distribution to minimize travel costs

Frequently Asked Questions About the UFL

How many teams are in the United Football League?

The United Football League (UFL) currently has 8 teams, equally divided between the XFL and USFL conferences.

Which cities host UFL teams in 2025?

As of 2025, UFL teams are based in Arlington, TX; Washington, D.C.; San Antonio, TX; St. Louis, MO; Birmingham, AL; Houston, TX; Miami, FL; and Albany, NY (representing New Jersey).

Why did the XFL and USFL merge into the UFL?

The merger aimed to unify spring football under one sustainable league, combining fan bases, reducing operational costs, and increasing negotiating power with broadcasters like ESPN and Fox.

Are UFL players eligible for the NFL?

Yes, UFL players remain eligible for NFL signing. Several players, such as Darius Victor and Madre Harper, have been signed to NFL practice squads or offseason rosters after strong UFL performances.

Does the UFL have playoffs and a championship game?

Yes, the UFL features a postseason format where the top two teams from each conference advance to the semifinals, culminating in a neutral-site UFL Championship game held in late June.