By 1808Delaware
A new chapter in spring football is about to be written in Columbus. The United Football League (UFL), born from the 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL, is bringing one of its franchises to the Buckeye State in 2026—and they’ll be playing in a stadium steeped in soccer and local sports history.
Not Lower.com Field, But Close
Though early reports suggested the new team might take the field at Lower.com Field, the modern downtown home of the Columbus Crew, the UFL and Crew officials confirmed to Axios that Historic Crew Stadium will instead host the league’s newest team. Opened in 1999 as the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer, the venue served as the Crew’s home through 2021 and continues to host matches, high school events, and concerts.
“The UFL’s choice to host games at Historic Crew Stadium is a further testament to the first-class fan experience at our venue,” Crew spokesperson Rob McBurnett told Axios. “It advances our commitment to bringing unique major events to Columbus that highlight our city and promote economic impact in the region.”
A League in Motion
The UFL has seen early momentum as it carves out a space in the crowded sports calendar, running its seasons between March and June. The league is led by new investor Mike Repole, who has begun reshaping the league’s strategy to emphasize more intimate venues, better television presentation, and local fan engagement. St. Louis, home to the Battlehawks, has been the breakout success story, regularly packing a large stadium with some of the league’s most passionate fans.
Columbus, with its rich football culture, may be poised to become the league’s next model market.
Who’s Coming, and When?
While the league currently fields eight teams—including the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders, and Michigan Panthers—it’s preparing for a reshuffle. Repole has hinted at relocating as many as four teams before the 2026 season kicks off. It’s unclear whether Columbus will receive a relocated team or a brand-new expansion franchise, but more details are expected soon.
UFL spokesperson Mike Wade simply noted that “more details about the franchise will be provided at a future date.”
A City of Football Passion
For Columbus, adding a professional football team outside the fall season brings an intriguing new entertainment option. With the Ohio State Buckeyes owning Saturdays in the fall and the Crew capturing MLS fans year-round, the UFL’s spring window offers a fresh opportunity for fans to fill the stands—this time with tailgates, tackles, and touchdowns.
Should the new team find its footing, Columbus could become a cornerstone of the UFL’s future. With the league preparing for its third season—a milestone few spring leagues have reached—its arrival in central Ohio reflects confidence in the city’s sports ecosystem.
Kickoff Coming Soon
The team name, colors, and coach are yet to be announced. But one thing’s certain: come spring 2026, football will return to Historic Crew Stadium—this time with a different kind of goal line in sight.
Stay tuned, Columbus. Spring football is coming your way.
