Story byTodd Brock, Cowboys WireFri, January 16, 2026 at 5:47 PM UTC·3 min readThe UFL is back, with plenty of changes on deck for the spring league's third season. Most notable is the debut of three new teams (who are replacing three shuttered squads) and the rebranding/relocation of two others. No longer a two-conference league pitting ex-USFL teams versus old XFL clubs, the UFL will now play under a united eight-team structure, with the top four teams making the playoffs. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdditionally, the league's teams will all play in more intimate arenas this year, with new co-owner Mike Repole looking to revitalize the league on a somewhat smaller scale than was attempted when former Cowboys great Daryl Johnston served as the UFL's executive vice president of football operations. Johnston is out; his contract was not renewed for 2026. But the UFL will still provide an opportunity for young players to gain professional, live-fire football experience and for veterans to perhaps re-establish themselves as capable contributors, all in hopes of eventually landing a spot on an NFL roster. The Cowboys have offered that opportunity to several players who have gone on to become stars.