The solution, Repole believes, is to shrink the tent and cater to a devoted few, with the expectation that they’ll attract a larger number of casual viewers. So for 2026, the UFL will focus on its eight cities — the five with new or rebranded teams, plus the Birmingham Stallions, St. Louis Battlehawks and Washington, D.C. Defenders.

The Fighting Irish have their backs against the walls in their quest for a College Football Playoff berth, and are halfway there. Here is the schedule for Notre Dame, tickets and more.