OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oklahoma City will be home to a new professional football team in 2028, as the United Football League announced plans to expand into the city.

The team is expected to begin play in the spring of 2028 and will serve as a primary tenant of the new MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, currently under construction in downtown Oklahoma City and scheduled to open that same year.

City leaders said the announcement marks a key milestone for the MAPS 4 initiative, securing a major tenant for the venue ahead of its opening and reinforcing its role as a year-round destination for sports and entertainment.

Mayor David Holt said the expansion reflects the type of opportunities the stadium was designed to attract.

“We have always said that the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium opens up new opportunities for our city, and this is a perfect example,” Holt said.

The stadium is designed as a flexible, mid-sized venue capable of hosting a variety of events, including professional and amateur sports, concerts, and community gatherings. The addition of a UFL team will provide a consistent spring sports schedule for the facility.

The expansion is part of the United Football League’s broader growth strategy, which aims to expand to 10 teams by 2028. The league currently operates teams in markets such as Arlington, Houston, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Birmingham.

Oklahoma City’s new franchise will join a growing sports scene that includes the Oklahoma City Thunder, a new downtown arena in development, and events connected to the 2028 Olympic Games.

Officials say the expansion is part of a broader effort to position Oklahoma City as a major destination for sports and entertainment while supporting local economic growth and community development.