A Columbus-based franchise will join the United Football League (UFL) starting with the 2026 season. The team will be called the Columbus Aviators, and is joining the professional league along with the Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm.
The three new teams replace the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats and San Antonio Brahmas, which were shut down following the 2025 season, meaning the UFL will remain an eight-team league.
"Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League," said Mike Repole, the UFL's co-owner. "Columbus, Louisville and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We're proud to bring professional football to these communities – in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come.”
Please select this link to read the complete article from The Columbus Dispatch.