SANDY, Utah — Pro football is returning to the Wasatch Front as the United Football League announced Wednesday that it will add a Utah franchise when it expands to 10 teams in 2028.
The franchise will bring major professional football back to Utah for the first time since the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football folded in 2019.
"Salt Lake is an incredible area," UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon said. "(It's) a growing marketplace, great football culture. When you look at BYU, Utah and Utah State; it's all about building something special, and we feel that we can do that in Salt Lake City."
Utah joins three other UFL expansion teams in Rhode Island, Colorado Springs and Oklahoma City.
"It's all about the venue to bring that intimate experience to our fan base," Brandon said about what drew the league to expand into the four different cities and states. "We take a lot of pride in advancing the game of football and being a steward of it, but also pushing the boundaries to provide a lot of fun and entertainment."
Watch below as UFL president & CEO talks about Utah expansion:
The new Utah franchise will be owned by the league in partnership with Miller Sports + Entertainment, and play its home games at America First Field in Sandy. The team's name and colors will be released at a later date.
“We believe deeply in the power of sport to unite communities, create lasting memories and bring people together around a shared sense of pride," said Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment. "Together, we look forward to creating an incredible experience for fans throughout Utah.”
The United Football League is growing as a popular developmental league for the NFL, with 118 former UFL players taking part in NFL training camps over the summer.