The United Football League (UFL) is set to expand into Louisville, Kentucky, introducing the Louisville Kings as its new franchise. Starting in spring 2024, the Kings will play their home games at the Lynn Family Stadium, which is also home to the local soccer teams, Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC.
Louisville Kings: A New Era in Football
This announcement was made public on a Tuesday morning, marking an exciting development for Louisville sports fans. The UFL’s expansion into Louisville comes alongside the introduction of other new markets, including Columbus, Ohio, and Orlando, Florida. These expansions will replace the previous franchises, such as the Memphis Showboats and the Michigan Panthers, allowing UFL to establish a stronger presence.
Leadership and Vision
The UFL is under the leadership of billionaire entrepreneur Mike Repole, who has recently taken charge of the league’s business operations. Repole, known for his success in horse racing, highlighted the potential of Louisville as an ideal market for professional football. His experience living in Kentucky for the past two decades influenced the decision to establish the Kings in this vibrant community. Repole stated, “If Lynn Family Stadium wasn’t available, we wouldn’t be in the market.”
Stadium Details
- Lynn Family Stadium is located in Butchertown, Louisville.
- The stadium has a seating capacity of 15,304, with 11,600 seats available.
- It serves as the home ground for both men’s and women’s professional soccer teams.
UFL Structure and Upcoming Season
The UFL, now entering its third season, originally launched in 2024 following a merger between the United States Football League and the XFL. The new season kicks off on March 27, 2026, with teams preparing for rigorous competition. Each franchise will utilize the league’s headquarters in Arlington, Texas, for training and development.
For the upcoming season, the UFL will include the following teams:
- Birmingham Stallions (Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama)
- Columbus Aviators (Historic Crew Stadium, Columbus, Ohio)
- Dallas Renegades (Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas)
- DC Defenders (Audi Field, Washington, D.C.)
- Houston Gamblers (Shell Energy Stadium, Houston)
- Louisville Kings (Lynn Family Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky)
- Orlando Storm (Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida)
- St. Louis Battlehawks (The Dome, St. Louis)
Developmental Focus
Repole envisions the Louisville Kings as a developmental platform for aspiring players, including local and regional talents. “If your goal is to make the NFL, this league is for you. It’s designed to help players develop their skills and advance their careers,” he emphasized.
With the Kings’ introduction, Louisville marks a historic moment in its football journey, previously hosting teams like the Louisville Breckenridges and the Louisville Colonels in the 1920s. The city continues to show its passion for football, making the arrival of the Kings a promising new chapter for local sports enthusiasts.
As the league prepares for the new season, anticipation grows for the Kings to make their mark in the UFL and the community.
