The XFL ceased operations following the 2023 season, marking the end of its latest revival. The league merged with the USFL to form the United Football League (UFL), which kicks off its second season on March 28, 2025.
The UFL represents the next chapter in spring football, combining teams from both former leagues. Eight teams make up the UFL roster, carrying forward the traditions of both the XFL and USFL:
- Arlington Renegades
- Birmingham Stallions
- D.C. Defenders
- Houston Roughnecks
- Memphis Showboats
- Michigan Panthers
- San Antonio Brahmas
- St. Louis Battlehawks
This consolidation streamlines spring football into one unified league, addressing the previous challenge of multiple leagues competing for attention during the NFL offseason. Football fans seeking updated rosters, depth charts, and snap counts can find comprehensive coverage at Lineups.com, which tracks player movement across all levels of football.
The UFL’s 2025 season builds on the foundation laid during its inaugural 2024 campaign. Training camp opens on February 27th, giving teams one month to prepare for the season opener. This timeline mirrors professional football standards while maintaining the spring schedule that sets it apart from the NFL season.
The merger brought together the strongest elements of both leagues. The XFL contributed its innovative rules and broadcast technology, while the USFL brought its regional fan bases and established team identities. This combination aims to create stability in spring football, something previous attempts have struggled to achieve.
Fan response to the UFL’s first season demonstrated the appetite for football beyond the traditional fall schedule. The league maintained the local connections built by both the XFL and USFL, preserving rivalries and fan traditions that developed during their separate runs.
The UFL continues the mission of providing additional opportunities for players, coaches, and officials to develop their skills at the professional level. Many players from the XFL and USFL have advanced to NFL rosters, establishing the spring league as a path to the highest level of the sport.
For fans wondering about their former XFL teams, the merger ensures that many survive under the UFL banner. Cities that hosted XFL franchises maintain their connection to spring football through the new league, though some markets and team names have changed in the consolidation process.
The UFL’s second season represents the latest evolution in spring football, building on lessons learned from previous leagues while working to establish a sustainable model for professional football in the spring months. As the 2025 season approaches, the focus shifts from the XFL’s legacy to the UFL’s future in the professional football landscape. Copy
