The United Football League (UFL) is set to expand into Oklahoma City with a new franchise scheduled to begin play in 2028 at the upcoming MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.
The league confirmed that the yet-to-be-named team will be a central part of the stadium’s launch strategy. The venue, designed by Populous, will have a capacity of just over 10,000 seats and is expected to open in January 2028 ahead of the team’s debut season. Construction is scheduled to begin in June, with the project overseen by Echo Investment Capital and managed by Lingo Construction.
The stadium, estimated to cost $121 million, will serve as a multi-use facility, hosting not only UFL games but also matches for OKC Energy FC of the United Soccer League, along with other sporting and cultural events such as rodeo. The design also allows for future expansion if demand grows.
UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon described Oklahoma City as a strong fit for professional football, citing the city’s sports culture, fan base, and history of supporting major league teams. He emphasized that the combination of a new venue and local enthusiasm made the market an attractive expansion opportunity.
Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt welcomed the announcement, highlighting the stadium’s role in attracting new opportunities to the city and reinforcing its position as a growing sports hub. The stadium is also located near a planned new arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder, further contributing to a developing sports and entertainment district.
The UFL, which began its current season with eight teams including the Birmingham Stallions and St. Louis Battlehawks, continues to pursue a strategy of growth through targeted expansion markets and smaller, soccer-style venues designed to create a more intimate fan experience.
With Oklahoma City added to its roadmap, the league is positioning itself to strengthen its footprint in emerging American football markets while aligning new franchises with modern, multi-purpose infrastructure.