Thursday, July 9, 2026

UFL Year 2 Plan Includes Friday Night Football, Sustaining Fox Experiment

 Between ESPN and Fox networks, the retooled spring football league will have nearly three-quarters of its games shown on broadcast television this season.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“Friday Night Lights” isn’t just for Texas high school football, or even some college football, as the United Football League is the latest in the sport to jump on the bandwagon. 

The spring football league released its 2025 schedule, and, as expected since the end of last season, the slate is led in part by the establishment of a dedicated Friday primetime slot on Fox throughout the 10-week regular season. The new Fox UFL Friday is aimed at giving the league a heightened focus, but it also helps the network as it begins IndyCar Series race coverage this year. 

The network’s strategy for the UFL is not unlike what it started in 2024 for college football, drawing solid early results

More broadly, Fox and ESPN will again share UFL coverage across their various platforms including linear and cable networks, streaming, and Spanish-language networks—combining to air all 43 of the league’s games. Between the two, 74% of those UFL games will be on broadcast TV, up slightly from a year ago. The season begins March 28 and will conclude June 14 with the championship game, airing on ABC—also in prime time. 

The eight-team UFL is also looking at expansion, though without a defined timetable or a set number of expected new teams.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bears’ Indiana Stadium Plans in ‘Red Zone,’ Governor Says

The NFL team is drawing closer to a long-awaited stadium decision.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) in the first half in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Two Bidders Pull Ahead in Seahawks Sale Process

One of the two groups includes at least one former Seahawks player.
Jun 25, 2023; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Carli Lloyd before the game between the Chicago Red Stars and NJ/NY Gotham FC at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Carli Lloyd Didn’t Pull Punches After USMNT World Cup Exit

Lloyd said Team USA played “scared” during its loss to Belgium.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Record Betting on USMNT Loss, U.S. Soccer Splits Payout, Potential LIV Golf Layoffs, Bieber headlines World Cup halftime

0:00

Featured Today

Pillow Fight Championship

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
July 2, 2026

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard Trade on Hold Until NBA Wraps Investigation

The Raptors agreed to acquire Leonard from the Clippers in June.
Nov 26, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) gestures after scoring during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
July 9, 2026

Ducks Match Record-Setting Offer Sheet for Leo Carlsson

The contract’s $18 million AAV is a new NHL record.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during press conference at the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
July 9, 2026

NBA Expansion Heats Up in Vegas, Slows in Seattle

Multiple potential bidders have expressed interest in Vegas in recent weeks.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
July 8, 2026

Judge Deals Blow to Rozier’s NBA Comeback Bid

Rozier was arrested in October as part of the federal gambling probe.
Mar 28, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Philadelphia Flyers logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2026

Flyers Owner Remains in Limbo Amid Comcast Spin-Off

Sources say Comcast Spectacor’s long-term home is still unclear.
Aug 24, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; The major league baseball logo is seen on signage near the player's entrance to the field at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2026

MLB Takes Another Swing at India With Cricket Star

MLB is looking to tap further into the world’s most populous country.
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
July 7, 2026

Ducks’ $90M Carlsson Decision Looms

The Flyers’ offer for the emerging star sets an NHL salary record.