Professional football is officially returning to Columbus.
The United Football League announced Tuesday that the Columbus Aviators will be one of three new franchises for the league in 2026. The Aviators will play at Historic Crew Stadium.
We are cleared for takeoff.
— Columbus Aviators (@UFLAviators) October 7, 2025
The Columbus Aviators coming Spring 2026! pic.twitter.com/FMWoduhA9V
Columbus is one of three cities getting a new UFL team in 2026 along with Louisville, Kentucky and Orlando, Florida. The new franchises will replace the Michigan Panthers, Memphis Showboats and San Antonio Brahmas.
The Aviators become the first professional football team in Columbus since the Columbus Destroyers, who were revived for one season in 2019 after previously playing in the Arena Football League from 2004-08 before the AFL disbanded after the 2019 season.
The UFL chose Historic Crew Stadium as the home venue for the Aviators as it moves toward playing its games in “smaller, more intimate soccer venues” for the 2026 season.
The UFL was formed in 2024 following a merger between the USFL and XFL. It’s the top developmental league for professional football players with aspirations of making it to the NFL, as the NFL does not have its own minor league (not including college football).
