July 31, 2025 — New York, NY
Entrepreneur and beverage mogul Mike Repole has officially entered the professional football arena, acquiring a significant stake in the United Football League (UFL) and assuming control of its business operations. The move marks a bold new chapter for the spring football league, with immediate structural changes already on the horizon—including multiple franchise relocations and new market entries.
Repole, best known for co-founding Vitaminwater and BODYARMOR, brings deep business experience and marketing expertise to the table. His involvement is expected to accelerate the UFL’s growth and help stabilize a league still working to establish a sustainable alternative to the NFL.
“This is about building something with long-term value,” Repole said in a statement. “The UFL has incredible potential, but we have to be bold. That means making tough decisions, investing in strong markets, and delivering a product fans actually care about.”
As part of his initial strategy, Repole confirmed that at least two teams will be relocated ahead of the 2026 season, with the possibility of up to four franchise moves. While full details have not yet been released, one team is confirmed to be relocating to Columbus, Ohio, and will play its home games at Historic Crew Stadium, the former home of Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew.
“Columbus is a vibrant, sports-centric city that’s been overlooked for too long when it comes to pro football,” Repole said. “Historic Crew Stadium offers the perfect venue to bring spring football to Ohio.”
This marks the first time a professional football team will regularly call Historic Crew Stadium home. The stadium, known for its intimate atmosphere and central location, has a capacity of around 20,000 and is expected to undergo minor upgrades to accommodate a professional football team.
Repole hinted that other relocations are aimed at placing teams in “football-hungry markets with better stadium access, local ownership support, and more favorable fan engagement metrics.” Markets like San Diego, Louisville, Portland, and Birmingham have all been floated in speculation, though league officials have declined to confirm any specific targets.
The UFL—formed in 2024 through a merger of the XFL and USFL—has seen moderate success in its first two seasons but continues to face challenges with viewership, attendance, and profitability. Repole’s entrance is being viewed as a major step toward reshaping the league’s commercial strategy, marketing footprint, and fan engagement model.
“We’re not just moving teams—we’re rethinking what spring football can be,” Repole said. “From the game day experience to TV deals and merchandise, it’s time to think like a modern sports league.”
Sources close to the league say more announcements, including rebranding of relocated teams and potential new sponsors, are expected in August.
For fans and players alike, the Repole era of the UFL promises big swings, bigger markets, and a fresh vision for the future of spring football.
Stay tuned for team relocation announcements, stadium partnership details, and more on the evolving landscape of the UFL under Mike Repole’s leadership.
