UFL Preview: How to Watch With Sling, Schedule, and More
The UFL is set to kickoff its first-ever season. Here's everything you need to know about the Spring football league, plus how to watch live with Sling TV.
If imitation is indeed the highest form of flattery, let’s give props to the XFL, which came up with a novel new kickoff format that was just adopted by the NFL. With the XFL and the USFL merging last year to form the United Football League (UFL), we’re about to find out what other innovations spring football can pioneer when the brand new league makes its grand debut this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the UFL, along with how to watch it live with Sling TV.
What Are the Teams in the UFL?
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The UFL consists of eight teams split into two conferences named for their original leagues. The USFL Conference is made up of the Birmingham Stallions, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, and Michigan Panthers. The XFL Conference includes the Arlington Renegades, D.C. Defenders, San Santonio Brahmas, and St. Louis Battlehawk s. The regular season will be 10-games, followed by a Conference Championship round, then the UFL Championship game, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 16.
How Do You Watch UFL Football with Sling TV?
The broadcast rights to the UFL are split between four networks: ESPN, FOX, ABC, and FS1. ESPN and ABC games (simulcast on ESPN3 on Sling) are available with Sling Orange; FS1 is available with Sling Blue and ABC and FOX are available with Sling Blue in select markets. So the best way to watch the full UFL inaugural season is to subscribe to Sling Orange + Blue.
What Rules Are Different in the UFL?
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Ironically, the UFL will not be using the new kickoff format pioneered by the XFL and adopted by the NFL this week. However, there are a number of unusual rules relative to college and pro formats. These include:
- Following a touchdown, teams cannot kick an extra point. Instead, they have three play options: Score from the 2-yard line (1 point); score from the 5-yard line (2 points); or score from the 10-yard line (3 points).
- Two forward passes are allowed, as long as the ball does not cross the line of scrimmage at any time prior to the second pass attempt.
- There is an alternate possession option in the fourth quarter: “If a team is tied or behind during the fourth quarter, it may elect to retain possession after a score with a 4th-and-12 from its own 28-yard line,” according to the rules.
Which Teams are the Favorites to Win the UFL Championship?
According to DraftKings, the St. Louis Battlehawks and Birmingham Stallions both have +300 odds to win the championship, as of this writing. They’re followed by the D.C. Defenders at +380; last year’s XFL champs, the Arlington Renegades, at +550; the Houston Roughnecks at +650; and the Memphis Showboats at +800. The Michigan Panthers (+1300) and San Antonio Brahmas (+1400) have the longest odds.
To watch UFL football all season long with Sling TV, use the link below to subscribe to Sling Orange + Blue. Check out the full schedule below.
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