Louisville Kings to Join United Football League in 2026

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The United Football League (UFL) has announced that Louisville will get a new professional football team, the Louisville Kings, set to begin play in the spring of 2026 at Lynn Family Stadium.

The Kings’ name pays tribute to King Louis XVI of France and reflects Louisville’s deep ties to the “Sport of Kings,” a nod to the city’s rich horse racing history, particularly the Kentucky Derby.

This announcement signals the return of professional football to Louisville after the city saw the disbandment of the arena football team, the Louisville Fire, in 2008. The UFL now features eight teams, with the Kings joining new franchises in Columbus and Orlando.

Mike Repole, UFL co-owner and leader in league operations, emphasized the team’s strong potential, stating, “Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots.” Repole believes these locations can foster energetic game-day experiences.

In reflecting on the match between Louisville and Lynn Family Stadium, which seats approximately 15,300 fans, Repole noted that smaller venues create a more intimate and lively atmosphere compared to larger stadiums.

The UFL is shifting towards a single league structure in 2026, with the top four teams vying for playoff positions after the regular season. The season will begin on March 27, 2026.

Ticket packages for the Kings are now available, with various options to suit fan preferences. As anticipation builds, updates regarding the team’s roster and coaches will be released in the coming months.