UFL Week 1: Schedule, Odds, TV Info, & Betting

The 2026 United Football League (UFL) season kicks off this weekend, bringing spring football back into the spotlight with new teams and fresh betting markets following last season’s championship run by the D.C. Defenders.

With new franchises joining the league and rosters reshaped through the offseason, sportsbooks like DraftKings have released opening lines for a full slate of Week 1 action as well as which team might end up winning the title.

The 10-week season followed by playoffs offers some extra excitement for football fans who regularly enjoy some NFL betting.

UFL Opening Weekend Matchups, Odds, and TV Info

The UFL season begins Friday and runs through March 29, featuring four games across national broadcasts each week. Here’s a look at the Week 1 matchups with odds courtesy of DraftKings:

• Birmingham Stallions at Louisville Kings (Friday, March 27)
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: FOX
  • Odds: Stallions -7, Kings +7 | Total (over/under): 38.5
• D.C. Defenders at St. Louis Battlehawks (Saturday, March 28)
  • Time: 12 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN
  • Odds: Battlehawks -3.5, Defenders +3.5 | Total: 37.5
• Houston Gamblers at Dallas Renegades (Saturday, March 28)
  • Time: 4 p.m. ET
  • TV: FOX
  • Odds: Renegades -2.5, Gamblers +2.5 | Total: 38.0
• Columbus Aviators at Orlando Storm (Sunday, March 29)
  • Time: 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: ESPN
  • Odds: Storm -4.0, Aviators +4.0 | Total: 39.5

Key Teams & Players to Watch

The Birmingham Stallions enter the season as one of the league’s most dominant recent teams, having won multiple spring football championships prior to last season. The squad’s combination of physical defense and efficient offense makes the team early favorites again.

The D.C. Defenders, fresh off a 2025 championship victory, will look to defend their title behind a balanced roster and strong coaching continuity. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Battlehawks remain one of the most consistent franchises in spring football, boasting a strong home-field advantage and an explosive offense.

Among expansion teams, the Orlando Storm and Louisville Kings bring fresh intrigue, with entirely new rosters assembled through the league’s player allocation system. Bettors will be closely watching how quickly these teams gel.

UFL Championship Futures Odds (DraftKings)

Looking ahead to the title race, DraftKings has released early futures betting odds for the 2026 UFL Championship:

• Birmingham Stallions +340
• D.C. Defenders +370
• Dallas Renegades +475
• Orlando Storm +550
• St. Louis Battlehawks +650
• Columbus Aviators +750
• Louisville Kings +1200
• Houston Gamblers +1500

The Stallions open as favorites, but the gap between the top contenders remains relatively tight, suggesting a competitive season ahead.