Detroit will host WNBA expansion team in 2029
Previous versions contain incorrect years, impact in Detroit. They were in the city from 1998 to 2009.
The Michigan Black Panthers' 2025 campaign led to a seat in the United Football League title that could be their last.
United Football League (UFL) officials confirmed on the same day that the Panthers, Memphis Show Boat and San Antonio Brahmin will be relocated to the 2026 season.
“After a thorough analysis of all markets and venues, the United Football League made a difficult decision to leave the Michigan, Memphis and San Antonio markets,” UFL CEO and President Russ Brandon said in a statement. “Unfortunately, due to the restrictions on stadiums, the available venues in these areas do not match our new vision of focusing on a smaller, more intimate environment that improves the fan experience.”
The Panthers are one of four teams in the USFL and join the UFL merger in 2024. They spent their final three seasons with the Detroit Lions and ended up being too expensive to continue operating.
The UFL is expected to maintain the football league of eight teams in 2026. Five teams will remain in the current city: Birmingham Stallions, Arlington Traitors, DC defenders, St. Louis Bartle Hawks and Houston's Roughnecks.
League officials will announce two new markets for the 2026 season next week, in addition to the new franchise in Columbus, Ohio.
Brandon did not rule out future return to Michigan in his statement today. The league is talking to Detroit City FC about the upcoming stadium to open in 2027.
“We are excited about the possibility of a new football venue in downtown Detroit and we look forward to continuing with [Detroit City FC co-owner Sean Mann] “His staff talked about the possibility that the Panthers would return to Detroit after the facility was completed,” Brandon said.