UFL 2025 Kickoff Clash: Defending Champs Birmingham Stallions Face DC Defenders in ESPN Doubleheader Showdown

UFL 2025 Season: Championship Defense Begins

The United Football League roars back to action with an electrifying Week 1 doubleheader on ESPN, headlined by the defending champion Birmingham Stallions' quest for a fourth consecutive spring football title.

Championship Pedigree On Display

Coach Skip Holtz's Birmingham Stallions enter 2025 as the undisputed kings of spring football:

• 2024 UFL Champions (inaugural season)
• Back-to-back USFL titles (2022-2023)
• 26-4 combined record since 2022
• Won with three different starting QBs during their championship run

The Stallions open their title defense against the DC Defenders in a 3 PM ET showdown at Audi Field, following the Memphis Showboats vs. Michigan Panthers noon matchup.

Key Week 1 Matchups

Sunday Doubleheader Schedule (ET):

• 12:00 PM: Michigan Panthers @ Memphis Showboats
  • ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+
• 3:00 PM: Birmingham Stallions @ DC Defenders
  • ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+

Championship Contender Watch

The burning question across the league: Can anyone stop Birmingham's dynasty? Potential challengers include:

• DC Defenders: Home field advantage and revamped roster
• Michigan Panthers: Aggressive offseason acquisitions
• Memphis Showboats: Dynamic offensive weapons

How to Experience the Action

• Live Broadcast: Both games air on ESPN platforms
• Digital Coverage: ESPN's UFL streaming hub for additional content
• Complete Coverage: ESPN UFL Hub for news, stats and analysis

Will Birmingham continue their reign or will a new champion emerge? The journey begins this Sunday on ESPN.