UFL Playoff Race Tightens Entering Final Weeks of 2026 Season
The United Football League playoff race remains wide open entering Week 9 of the 2026 season, with all eight teams still mathematically alive in the hunt for the 2026 United Bowl.
The league’s postseason will begin on Sunday, June 7, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs. The season will conclude with the 2026 United Bowl at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m. ET, airing nationally on ABC.
Orlando Storm Clinches Playoff Berth
The Orlando Storm became the first team to clinch a playoff spot after a 31-24 victory over the Dallas Renegades in Week 8.
With the postseason secured, Orlando now looks to strengthen its playoff positioning heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
DC Defenders Can Clinch in Week 9
The DC Defenders can secure a playoff berth with:
- a victory over Orlando
OR
- a loss to Orlando combined with a Columbus Aviators win over the Birmingham Stallions.
Battlehawks Control Their Own Destiny
The St. Louis Battlehawks also remain in strong playoff position.
St. Louis can clinch with:
- a win over the Houston Gamblers combined with an Orlando victory over DC
OR
- a win over Houston and a Columbus victory over Birmingham
OR
- a win over Houston and a Dallas victory over the Louisville Kings.
Birmingham Still Alive in Tight Race
The Stallions remain in contention but face a more complicated playoff path entering Week 9.
Birmingham can clinch with:
- a win over Columbus
- a DC victory over Orlando
- a Dallas victory over Louisville
- and a St. Louis victory over Houston.
United Bowl Approaches
With just two weeks remaining in the regular season, every game carries major playoff implications as teams battle for a spot in the UFL postseason and a chance to compete for the league championship.
Source: UFL
Photo courtesy of the UFL
