The “Unauthorized Speculation”
On July 22, 2025, UFL insider James Larsen reported that the three-time spring football champion Birmingham Stallions would be relocating.
(Lee Corso Voice): NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND
After that report, the UFL released a statement saying that relocations have not been confirmed for the 2026 season.
“The league office is in the planning stages for next season and beyond. At this point, we have nothing to report on any unauthorized speculation.”
Stallions faithful took action and over 2,400 signed a petition to keep the team and fans took to social media to voice their support of the 3-time champions to remain in Birmingham.
UFL Investor Mike Repole: Smaller, Packed Stadiums Are Key to Success
New UFL investor Mike Repole, founder of BodyArmor, says filling smaller stadiums will be key to spring football’s success for the 2026 UFL season.
Repole said, “Nobody wants to turn on the TV and see 10,000 fans in a 65,000-seat stadium. It’s like watching a COVID game.”
The Stallions play at a 47,100-seat stadium and averaged just under 10,000 fans this season (excluding the Mother’s Day game). That figure is only 449 fewer than last year, when the average was boosted by the A.J. McCarron game that drew more than 14,000, according to State of the Stallions.
Cryptic Tweet 1:
On August 15, Repole tweeted that the Stallions needed 5,000 season ticket deposits within a week to stay in Birmingham. It wasn’t clear if this was an ultimatum, but Mayor Woodfin interpreted the tweet as a guarantee the team would remain in Birmingham. Repole clarified in his next post, that this is not the case.
Cryptic Tweet 2:
Repole made it clear that the Stallions returning is not a guarantee in a somewhat threatening/playful post to Mayor Woodfin by saying “Still, I believe in Birmingham. With your leadership (or maybe the new mayor’s 😂), we can make this happen.”
As of August 16, Repole reported 500 season ticket deposits toward the 5,000 goal, though several details remain unclear.
- Season ticket price for 2026? (started at $100 last season)
- Will the $50 be refunded if the team moves out of Birmingham?
- Is the 5,000-season ticket deposit number an ultimatum?
Cryptic Tweet 3: Repole suggests potential move to the Hoover Met.
Is a move to the Hoover Met realistic?
Probably not, given the SEC Baseball Tournament overlap and other scheduling conflicts. More likely, Repole is using the Hoover Met as leverage to push the BJCC to improve the fan experience—parking, concessions, and protection from the elements. Still, some issues are beyond the BJCC’s control, with past conflicts including the Region’s Tradition, the SEC Tournament, A-Day, and Mother’s Day.
For now, fans remain in limbo—unsure how much season tickets will cost, whether deposits are refundable, or if the Hoover Met is even a real option. At the end of the day, what they really want to know is whether their beloved team will be taken from them.
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