Wednesday, June 24, 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

Oct 11, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly looks on against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Brian Kelly to Call CBS College Football Games

Kelly previously contributed to CBS Sports Network’s NFL Draft coverage.

NFL Slams Door on Brendan Sorsby’s Supplemental Draft Bid

The league told him to prepare to enter the 2027 NFL Draft instead.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; ESPN personality Jordan Rodgers during 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Exclusive

Chase Daniel, Jordan Rodgers Promoted As ESPN CFB Analysts

Another change is coming to “SEC Nation.”

Greg Olsen: NFL Franchises Interested in Hosting Tight End U

The annual summer summit is in its sixth year.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

6/24/26 – NBA Draft Recap, NFL Rejects Sorsby, PGA Tour Restructures, NHL Eyes Texas Expansion

0:00

Featured Today

Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.
June 18, 2026

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses with 2026 draft prospects before the NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

NBA Draft Highlights College Basketball’s NIL Boom

The first 20 players selected on Tuesday all played in college.
Apr 24, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks to the media before game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Utah Mammoth and the Vegas Golden Knights at Delta Center.
June 24, 2026

NHL’s Sun Belt Powerhouse Center Is Set to Expand

The league draws closer to placing a second team in Texas.
June 24, 2026

PGA Tour Bets New Tour Championship Will Drive Revenue

The on-site experience will be extremely different from standard events.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Jun 23, 2026; New York, NY, USA; NBA Commissioner poses with the first pick in the 2026 NBA draft selected by the Washington Wizards, BYU forward AJ Dybantsa at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
June 23, 2026

Wizards Land Dybantsa Ahead of NBA Lottery Overhaul

Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, and Caleb Wilson rounded out the top four.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Justin Gaethje (blue gloves) fights Ilia Topuria (red gloves) during the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House South Lawn.
June 23, 2026

UFC Leans Further In to AI With New Meta Rankings

The ranking system debuted with multiple issues.
June 23, 2026

Golden Knights Owner Joins Race for Vegas NBA Expansion Team

The Golden Knights owner is leaning partially on his successful NHL track record.
June 23, 2026

Unrivaled and Project B Are in an Arms Race for WNBA Talent

Both leagues announced new roster signings in recent days.