The United Football League (UFL) decided it is no longer doubling down on Houston as a football market and the Gamblers as a franchise.
On Thursday, the league announced that it will officially depart Houston and Birmingham as part of a strategic market realignment and long-term growth strategy. According to a statement, two markets will be added in 2027, and the league will expand to 10 teams by 2028. Oklahoma City has already been tabbed as the next city to get a franchise, as the league has a long-term goal of a 12-team spring pro football league by 2030.
“Departing a market is never easy and this decision is not a reflection of the dedication shown by players, coaches, fans, local partners, or civic leaders in Birmingham or Houston. We are grateful for their passion, commitment, and support, which have helped shape the continued evolution of the UFL,” said UFL Co-Owner Mike Repole. “My mission is to build a league that is not only sustainable today, but also successful and thriving for decades to come. Building a spring football league has required discipline and difficult decisions, guided by our clear long-term vision. Every market evaluation begins with the same three principles I have said since day one – the right market, the right-sized venue, and a passionate fan base.”
In five seasons in the UFL (including two seasons as the United States Football League), the Gamblers have never finished with a record above .500, winning only 18 of 50 games played with zero postseason appearances. Kevin Sumlin—the former head coach for the Houston Cougars and Texas A&M Aggies—went 12-18 in three seasons as head coach.
“Houston played an important role in reestablishing modern spring football, and we’re grateful to the fans, partners, and community who supported the Roughnecks and Gamblers,” said Repole. “Houston is a great sports city, and Shell Energy Stadium has been an outstanding partner and venue. The reality is that we did not give this market the consistency it deserved. Between venue changes, team-name changes, and different approaches, we made it difficult to build lasting momentum.”
That lack of winning certainly impacted attendance. According to the UFL’s 2026 data, the Gamblers finished last in average announced attendance for their home games this season, with just 5,683 in the stands at Shell Energy Stadium. The 2026 number is a minimal decline from last season’s mark of 5,712. The Gamblers filled only 25.7 percent of Shell Energy Stadium’s 22,039-seat capacity.
“This city has shown, no matter what it is, the support is tremendous—when you win,” Sumlin said to USA Today in April.
In a spring interview, Repole mentioned several possible relocation options and expansion cities, including Austin, Texas. Other options include: New England; Raleigh, North Carolina; Queens, New York; New Mexico; Greenville or Charleston, South Carolina; Utah; and Boise, Idaho.
No matter which city they select, they will have a fresh start as they navigate life in a new home. The absence of victories and team backing compelled the UFL to make a difficult decision, leading to the departure of another professional football franchise from Houston. Unlike the Houston Oilers, it’s unlikely that anyone outside the Gamblers’ organization is genuinely surprised by this move.