Thursday, October 15, 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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

“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.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 9, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks off the field after a win over the Iowa State Cyclones at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

BYU Outperforms Its Budget as Notre Dame Showdown Arrives

Cougars coach Kalani Sitake has openly pushed for more resources.
Kansas City, MO - October 7, 2024 - GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the sidelines during Monday Night Football.
Opinion

Troy Aikman–Joe Buck Breakup Looks More Likely Than Ever

ESPN hasn’t formally offered Troy Aikman a new deal, sources say.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Television commentator Troy Aikman speaks before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Aikman Eyeing ‘Next Landing Spot,’ Doesn’t Deny Rift With Buck

Aikman is slated to become a free agent after the season.
Oct 10, 2026; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Keelon Russell (12) scrambles with the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the first quarter at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

Keelon Russell Carries a Growing NIL Brand and Alabama’s Playoff Hopes

Following a loss to Georgia, Alabama faces Tennessee on Saturday.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/15/26 – Blake Griffin on Clippers Fine, Buck-Aikman Booth Tension, Elle Duncan’s ‘Toxic’ WNBA Warning

0:00

Featured Today

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Cubs behind the scenes
October 6, 2026

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.

Charley Hull: LPGA Needs to ‘Show More Personalities’

The Englishwoman has one of the sport’s largest social media followings.
October 14, 2026

NBA Instagram Apparently Hacked, Briefly Promotes Memecoin

The post, part of an apparent hack, was taken down.
October 15, 2026

Jon Rahm’s LIV Settlement Forfeits All Remaining Payments

Rahm earned more than $106 million in prize and bonus money with LIV.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 14, 2026

LIV Raises ‘Anti-Competitive Concerns’ Over DP World Tour Ban

LIV has not yet released a 2027 schedule.
October 14, 2026

Six Kings Slam Postponed to December Following Saudi Airport Attack

The tennis tournament was originally scheduled to start on Oct. 21.
October 14, 2026

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell: ‘Sponsorship Is Coming Back’

O’Donnell joined NASCAR as CEO in April 2026.
Elle Duncan Front Office Sports
October 13, 2026

Elle Duncan: WNBA Culture Wars Are ‘Open Season’ on Black Women

Duncan reiterated her belief that covering the league is “toxic as hell.”