The UFL is set to undergo significant changes for the 2026 season, with reports indicating that four franchises — the Michigan Panthers, Houston, Birmingham, and Memphis — will be relocated. The move is part of a larger restructuring effort aimed at reshaping the league’s market presence.
The news comes just weeks after the Michigan Panthers reached the 2025 UFL Championship Game, where they fell 58-34 to the DC Defenders. Despite their success on the field and strong fan turnout — including a season-high crowd of over 16,000 at Ford Field — the Panthers are among the teams reportedly on the move. Attendance has reportedly struggled across the league, with Michigan being the notable exception.
The Panthers, who rejoined the league in 2022 and later became part of the UFL following the USFL-XFL merger, have been a staple of Detroit’s spring football scene. The rumored relocation has sparked concerns among fans, especially after standout kicker Jake Bates parlayed his breakout season into an NFL contract with the Detroit Lions.
In a brief statement, the league addressed the speculation, saying: “Every year, the League office reviews plans for the upcoming season and beyond. At this time, we have nothing to report on any unauthorized speculation.”