At the onset, the 2026 UFL season kicks off with Week 1 action from March 27-29 as new expansion teams join the league and create immediate buzz. Birmingham Stallions face Louisville Kings on Friday night in Louisville’s debut at Lynn Family Stadium on FOX, with the Stallions looking to extend their championship pedigree against the newcomer Kings.
On Saturday, the DC Defenders travel to the St. Louis Battlehawks on ESPN. At the same time, the Houston Gamblers visit the Dallas Renegades on FOX. Sunday closes with the Columbus Aviators at the Orlando Storm on ESPN, as both expansion squads make their home and league debuts in football betting lines.
The 2026 UFL Week 1 schedule spans March 27-29, kicking off the expanded eight-team league with a mix of veteran powerhouses, new expansion squads, and key rivalries. Correlate that all teams enter the standings as equals, and games air on FOX and ESPN as the season launches under the new rules and formats.
The opening slate emphasizes debut excitement for the three new franchises (Louisville Kings, Columbus Aviators, Orlando Storm). Also, there is a high-profile championship defense challenge, and immediate Texas bragging rights, all while showcasing the league’s broadcast partnerships and innovative rules in action.
Week 1 Schedule
The UFL’s Week 1 schedule has offshore betting gamblers eagerly anticipating the action.
Friday, March 27: Birmingham Stallions at Louisville Kings – 8:00 PM ET on FOX at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, KY.
The three-time champions and new head coach, AJ McCarron, face expansion Louisville Kings in their debut home game under coach Chris Redman. Specifically, this game is pitting established dominance against fresh energy in a marquee opener.
Saturday, March 28: DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks – 12:00 PM ET on ESPN at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, MO.
Reigning contenders DC, led by coach Shannon Harris, visit the Battlehawks under new coach Ricky Proehl. Consider that both sides look to set an early tone on defense and offense.
Saturday, March 28: Houston Gamblers at Dallas Renegades – 4:00 PM ET on FOX at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX.
The “Battle for Texas” renews the in-state rivalry with Houston under Kevin Sumlin, clashing against Dallas coached by Rick Neuheisel. Accordingly, this matchup is highlighting regional pride and new coaching schemes right out of the gate.
Sunday, March 29: Columbus Aviators at Orlando Storm – 8:00 PM ET on ESPN at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, FL.
Expansion newcomers, Columbus (coached by Ted Ginn Jr.), travel to face the Orlando Storm under Anthony Becht in both teams’ league debuts. In turn, this game is testing quick adaptation in a high-energy home opener for the Storm.
Week 1 Odds
Friday, March 27
Birmingham Stallions at Louisville Kings
- Spread: Birmingham Stallions -3.5
- Total: 44.5
- Moneyline: Birmingham Stallions -175, Louisville Kings +150
Saturday, March 28
DC Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks
- Spread: DC Defenders -2.5
- Total 44.5
- Moneyline: St. Louis Battlehawks +145, DC Defenders -170
Houston Gamblers at Dallas Renegades
- Spread: Dallas Renegades -5.5
- Total: 41.5
- Moneyline: Dallas Renegades -220, Houston Gamblers +180
Sunday, March 29
Columbus Aviators at Orlando Storm
- Spread: Orlando Storm -1.5
- Total: 42.5
- Moneyline: Orlando Storm -130, Columbus Aviators +105
Week 1 Picks
Louisville, under Chris Redman, gets a home debut football odds boost at Lynn Family Stadium and plays inspired to make a statement. In sum, value lies in the expansion dog keeping it closer than the line suggests or the game staying low-scoring as both sides adjust.
Meanwhile, the Battlehawks get the edge in a noon kickoff with crowd support, making them a solid home play to cover.
The Battle for Texas rivalry stays tight with defensive fronts clashing. Consider that Houston’s talent edge in players like Malik Fisher and Anthony Hines III gives them upside to hang tough or steal it on the road.
Finally, Orlando gets home-opener advantage at Inter&Co Stadium, with Anthony Becht’s aggressive style potentially gelling faster. The low total screams rust and adaptation issues for newcomers, making it less appealing.