birmingham al, July 26, 2025
News Summary
The United Football League is contemplating relocating four teams, including the Birmingham Stallions and Michigan Panthers, due to declining attendance and financial issues. Fans have expressed outrage through social media campaigns and petitions, while UFL officials insist no final decisions have been made. Potential new locations include Florida, Kentucky, Boise, and Columbus, as the league seeks to address ongoing attendance challenges. Meanwhile, local engagement efforts, such as a youth football camp, aim to strengthen community ties amidst the uncertainty surrounding team relocations.
Birmingham, AL – The United Football League (UFL) is considering relocating four teams, including the Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, and Memphis Showboats, ahead of the 2026 spring football season. The potential decision has sparked significant backlash from fans, particularly those supporting the Stallions and Panthers, as well as local officials.
The four teams targeted for relocation could move to new locations including Florida, Kentucky, Boise, and Columbus. This shift comes amid growing concern over declining attendance and financial sustainability in certain markets. Recent figures show the Birmingham Stallions experienced a drop in average attendance from over 10,000 in 2024 to less than 9,000 in 2025. Conversely, the Michigan Panthers’ attendance improved in 2025 to over 11,000, with their final home game attracting more than 16,000 fans.
Fans have taken to social media to express their outrage at the prospect of losing their teams, with a trending hashtag, ‘#savethestallions,’ highlighting the intensity of their feelings. Additionally, two petitions have emerged on Change.org demanding the preservation of the Stallions and Panthers, gathering approximately 1,300 and 500 signatures, respectively, as of Friday morning.
Despite sounding alarms over potential relocations, UFL officials have stated that no final decisions have been made, characterizing the current situation as “unauthorized speculation.” The league’s spokesperson acknowledged ongoing attendance issues and ongoing efforts to address them while exploring relocation options rather than expansion.
Notably, Stallions head coach Skip Holtz publicly indicated that he was informed by league officials that Birmingham was not among the teams being considered for relocation. Additionally, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed surprise over the rumors of relocation, reiterating the city’s commitment to boosting team attendance and sponsorship opportunities.
The UFL, which was formed in 2024 by merging teams from the USFL and XFL, has been grappling with financial difficulties, particularly tied to ticket sales. This has resulted in significant layoffs across several teams, especially those earmarked for relocation. The Houston Roughnecks had an average attendance of about 5,700, while the Memphis Showboats recorded the lowest average attendance at just under 4,000.
In a bid to reinforce their community ties amidst relocation fears, the Birmingham Stallions are hosting a free youth football camp, a move aimed at fostering local support and engagement.
As the league continues to evaluate its options for the 2026 season, reports indicate that plans for relocation remain undetermined and “fluid.” The future of these franchises hangs in the balance as both fan support and financial viability become increasingly critical for their survival in their current cities.
Key Notable Facts
- Teams Targeted for Relocation: Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats
- Potential New Locations: Florida, Kentucky, Boise, Columbus
- Fan Outrage: ‘#savethestallions’ trending; Petitions for both Stallions and Panthers
- Attendance Issues: Stallions’ drop to below 9,000 from over 10,000; Roughnecks at 5,700; Showboats under 4,000
- Local Engagement: Birmingham hosting free youth football camp during controversy
FAQs
Why are the UFL teams being relocated?
The relocation discussions are a response to declining attendance and financial struggles, particularly tied to issues with ticket sales in certain markets.
What teams could potentially be relocated?
Potentially affected teams include the Birmingham Stallions, Michigan Panthers, Houston Roughnecks, and Memphis Showboats.
What actions have fans taken against the relocation?
Fans have organized online petitions and are engaging on social media with hashtags like ‘#savethestallions’ to express their discontent and support for their teams.
What has the UFL stated about the relocation plans?
The UFL has stated that no final decisions regarding relocations have been made, referring to the discussions as “unauthorized speculation.”
Attendance and Performance Overview
| Team | 2024 Average Attendance | 2025 Average Attendance | Championships Won | Playoff Qualifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Stallions | Over 10,000 | Less than 9,000 | 3 | All 4 seasons |
| Michigan Panthers | Approximately 10,000 | Over 11,000 | 0 | 3 of 4 seasons |
| Houston Roughnecks | Approximately 7,000 | 5,700 | 0 | 2 of 4 seasons |
| Memphis Showboats | Approximately 4,000 | Less than 4,000 | 0 | 1 of 4 seasons |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBRC: UFL Relocating Teams
- Wikipedia: United Football League (2009)
- PF Newsroom: UFL Relocation Plans
- Google Search: United Football League
- Sports Illustrated: UFL Relocation Outrage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Football
- ABC 33/40: UFL Relocation and Impact
- Google News: UFL 2026 Season
- USA Today: UFL Relocation Rumors
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
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