Professional football is poised to make its return to the Wasatch Front, with the United Football League (UFL) announcing Wednesday that a new Utah franchise will join the league when it expands in 2028. This upcoming team will bring major professional football back to the state for the first time in nearly a decade, following the departure of the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football, which folded in 2019. The new franchise is slated to play its home games at America First Field, located in Sandy.
The UFL's expansion plan includes adding a total of four new teams, increasing the league's overall size to 10 franchises. Utah is one of these new locations, alongside expansion teams announced for Rhode Island, Colorado Springs, and Oklahoma City. This strategic growth by the UFL signals a notable development in the landscape of professional football, extending its reach to new markets, including Northern Utah. For residents, commuters, and families in the region, this means a fresh opportunity to engage with professional sports right in their community starting in 2028.
Ownership of the new Utah franchise will be a joint effort, with the league itself partnering with Miller Sports + Entertainment. This collaboration aims to establish a strong local foundation for the team. Miller Sports + Entertainment, through its president Michelle Smith, emphasized the community-centric vision for the franchise. Smith stated, "We believe deeply in the power of sport to unite communities, create lasting memories and bring people together around a shared sense of pride." She further indicated that the partnership anticipates "creating an incredible experience for fans throughout Utah." Details regarding the team's specific name and official colors have not yet been released, with the announcement confirming these elements will be shared at a later date.
The selection of America First Field in Sandy as the home venue places the team centrally for many in the Wasatch Front. This facility, already a prominent sports venue, will host the new professional football games, providing a dedicated space for the team and its supporters. The announcement marks a significant step for the community, offering a new local sports attraction.
The United Football League itself has been growing in prominence as a developmental league for the National Football League (NFL). This role is underscored by recent data, which revealed that 118 former UFL players took part in NFL training camps over the past summer. This strong connection to the NFL highlights the quality of play and the professional opportunities the UFL offers, positioning the new Utah franchise not just as an entertainment option, but also as a potential stepping stone for aspiring professional football players. The return of such a league to Utah offers a renewed connection to the broader professional football world.
The return of professional football after the 2019 folding of the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football addresses a gap in the local sports scene. The previous absence meant that local fans interested in professional football had limited opportunities to support a home team. This new UFL franchise, set to debut in 2028, provides a renewed sense of local pride and engagement for sports enthusiasts. It also brings new events to America First Field, potentially benefiting local businesses and adding to the cultural fabric of Sandy and the wider Northern Utah area. The league's commitment, in partnership with Miller Sports + Entertainment, suggests a stable foundation for the new team, aiming for long-term success and community integration in the region.
