Wednesday, May 13, 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

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
opinion

NFL Should Release Audio on Crucial Replay Decisions

The ACC let viewers in the replay booth last fall.

ACC Still Holding Off on Private Equity Despite Big 12 Leap

“To date, there’s nothing that has made sense,” Jim Phillips said Wednesday.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.

Featured Today

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
PGA Championship

Food Is Free at PGA Championship, but a Beer Starts at $15

The Championship+ all-inclusive ticket program debuted in 2021.
May 13, 2026

WNBA Teams Use Hardship Contracts Despite Expanded Rosters

WNBA teams have two developmental contract spots this year.
May 11, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Mark Geddes plays a shot the eighteenth hole during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club.
May 13, 2026

The PGA Championship’s Prize-Money Balancing Act

Last year’s prize money was $19 million, up $500,000 from 2024.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 12, 2026

PWHL Adds 3 Teams Amid Expansion Spree

The three next teams will bring the league up to 11 franchises.
May 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) argues a call with referee Toni Patillo (76) during a stoppage in play against the Washington Mystics in the second half at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
May 12, 2026

WNBA’s Officiating Changes Already Drawing Complaints

There has been a clear increase in foul calls in the WNBA.
May 12, 2026

Rory McIlroy: I Knew About LIV Funding Trouble Before Players Did

LIV is losing its funding from the Saudi PIF.
May 11, 2026; Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, Scottie Scheffler walks to the the eleventh hole during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Aronimink Golf Club.
May 12, 2026

PGA Championship Brings LIV and Prize Money Questions

The tournament begins Thursday outside of Philadelphia.