UFL announces new teams in Columbus, Louisville, Orlando

The United Football League unveiled three new franchises Tuesday ahead of the league's third season this spring: the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings and Orlando Storm.

The league also rebranded two existing franchises, with the Arlington Renegades now the Dallas Renegades and the Houston Roughnecks becoming the Houston Gamblers.

"Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League," UFL co-owner Mike Repole said. "Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We're proud to bring professional football to these communities -- in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come."

Rounding out the new-look, eight-team league are three returning members: Birmingham Stallions, DC Defenders and St. Louis Battlehawks.

"We're heading into this season with new teams, new markets, new venues, and a renewed energy that reflects the momentum building around this league," Repole said.

The three new franchises replace the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers and San Antonio Brahmas, who took part in the UFL's first two campaigns.

The Aviators will play at Historic Crew Stadium, former home of the Columbus Crew of MLS. The Kings will play at Lynn Family Stadium, home of Racing Louisville of the NWSL. The Storm's home games will be at Inter&Co Stadium, home of Orlando City of MLS and the Orlando Pride of the NWSL.

The Renegades are moving to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of FC Dallas of MLS. The Gamblers are moving to Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo of MLS.

--Field Level Media