UFL faces steep decline in 2025 season

TV Ratings Plummet
The United Football League (UFL) continues to struggle in its second season since the 2024 merger of the XFL and USFL. Week 2 viewership for the 2025 season averaged just 602,250 viewers across four games—a sharp 30% drop compared to 2024’s Week 2 average of 844,500. Friday’s Birmingham-Michigan game on Fox drew 659,000 viewers, followed by 621,000 for Memphis-D.C. on ABC. Sunday’s ESPN broadcasts fared worse, with Houston-Arlington at 613,000 and San Antonio–St. Louis at 516,000.

Attendance Woes in Key Markets
Even St. Louis—the UFL’s strongest market—saw a troubling decline. The Week 2 home opener attracted 32,115 fans, down 20% from 2024’s 40,317. This dip raises questions about fan engagement despite the league’s efforts to consolidate legacy franchises.

Seasonal Challenges Compound Struggles
The UFL’s spring schedule places it in direct competition with basketball, baseball, and hockey, complicating efforts to build momentum. As analyst Mike Mitchell noted, sustaining interest in football during non-traditional months remains an uphill battle.

Future Uncertain Amid Declining Metrics
While betting partnerships may provide short-term revenue, the league’s long-term viability hinges on reversing negative trends. Profitability requires growth, yet current data points to a concerning downward trajectory. Unless the UFL can stabilize viewership and attendance, its ambitious merger experiment risks becoming a cautionary tale.