A new wave of football energy is headed for Central Florida. The United Football League (UFL) has officially announced the arrival of its newest franchise — the Orlando Storm — set to kick off in the spring of 2026. The addition marks Orlando’s return to professional spring football, and this time, the storm feels ready to last.
A New Era of Orlando Football
The UFL revealed that the Storm will make their home at Inter&Co Stadium in downtown Orlando — the same venue used by Orlando City SC and the Orlando Pride. It’s a fitting location: open-air, loud, and intimate enough to put fans right in the middle of the action.
Unlike massive college arenas, the soccer-style stadium promises an atmosphere that brings fans closer to the field, echoing the kind of community-driven energy that defines Orlando’s sports scene.
The Orlando Storm joins the UFL as part of a league-wide rebrand and restructuring effort. Backed by big names like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Mike Repole, the UFL aims to give spring football new life — with smarter markets, better production, and teams that feel rooted in their cities.
Why Orlando Makes Sense
Central Florida has always been a hotbed for football talent and fandom. From high school powerhouses to college pride in UCF, the region lives and breathes the game year-round.
The UFL saw that potential. Orlando brings:
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A proven sports market — passionate enough to support MLS, NWSL, NBA, and now spring football.
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A family-friendly venue — Inter&Co Stadium’s 25,000-seat capacity is perfect for game-day engagement.
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A central recruiting hub — surrounded by untapped local talent and a deep Florida football pipeline.
The “Storm” name also carries symbolic weight — representing both Florida’s natural energy and the city’s resilience. For longtime fans, it may even recall the days of the Tampa Bay Storm from the Arena Football League, bringing a sense of nostalgia full circle.
What We Know So Far
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Team | Orlando Storm |
| League | United Football League (UFL) |
| Debut Season | Spring 2026 |
| Home Stadium | Inter&Co Stadium, Downtown Orlando |
| Ownership | UFL / RedBird Capital / Johnson–Garcia Group |
| Colors | Navy, Orange, and Violet (per early branding) |
| Coach / GM | To be announced |
| Season Kickoff | March 27, 2026 |
Season tickets and fan pre-registrations are already live through the UFL’s official site, with Orlando City season ticket holders getting early access.
The team’s coaching hires, roster, and schedule announcements are expected later this winter.
Challenges Ahead
The hype is real, but so are the hurdles. The Orlando Storm face the same questions every expansion team must answer:
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Who will lead this team?
The head coach and GM appointments will shape the Storm’s identity — from play style to recruiting philosophy. -
Can the UFL sustain fan excitement?
The league’s success depends on consistent scheduling, solid marketing, and giving fans a reason to believe this time is different. -
Where will players come from?
Many expect the roster to include players from Florida’s deep college system, undrafted NFL talent, and standout UFL veterans from other markets.
Still, the energy in Orlando is different. The city has built a reputation for rallying around new teams — and with no NFL franchise to compete with, the Storm could quickly carve out a loyal fan base.
What to Expect on Game Day
If the UFL delivers on its promises, fans can look forward to:
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Close-up action: Smaller stadiums mean louder fans and no bad seats.
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Local entertainment: Expect tailgates, youth football tie-ins, and halftime shows with Florida flair.
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New rivalries: With potential matchups against teams like the Birmingham Stallions and St. Louis Battlehawks, Orlando’s entry could spark some heated southern showdowns.
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Accessible football: Affordable ticket prices and community engagement are core to the UFL’s growth plan.
The Big Picture
For Orlando sports fans, the arrival of the Storm isn’t just another team announcement — it’s a statement. It’s proof that Central Florida’s sports landscape keeps evolving, from basketball and soccer to a new wave of professional football energy.
If the league holds true to its vision of competitive, fan-first spring football, Orlando could soon become one of the UFL’s flagship cities.
And when that first kickoff hits in 2026, one thing’s for sure — the thunder won’t just be in the sky.
Follow Sports Club Florida for continued coverage on the Orlando Storm, including roster updates, fan events, and exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at how the city is preparing for its newest team.
