UFL Announces Rhode Island Team for 2027 Season
Centreville Bank Stadium, home of UFL Rhode Island Photo. Courtesy/UFL
PAWTUCKET, RI - The United Football League (UFL) is officially coming to the Ocean State next spring. The league is owned by actor and former wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Fox Corporation, Redbird Capital Partners, and The Walt Disney Company.
The team will play at Centreville Bank Stadium, home to Rhode Island FC, a USL Championship club. Earlier this fall, both Brown and URI’s football team played there; however, URI is calling the stadium home for the 2026 season as their current stadium is undergoing renovations.
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The team's name, logo, colors, name and branding will be announced at a public event at Centreville Bank Stadium on October 18.
The UFL announced Wednesday that former NFL QB AJ McCarron will be the head coach of the team. McCarron was also the Head Coach of the Birmingham Stallions last season, which folded at the conclusion of the 2026 season. McCarron also holds the school record at Alabama with the most passing yards and most passing touchdowns.
Dean junior Jake Parent, also a Rhode Island resident, says that it’s a great addition to the state and city of Pawtucket. “Adding a team, as well as events to a new stadium such as Centreville Bank Stadium shows that it is successful and is serving as a premier setting to see a game in Rhode Island,” Parent said, “Having professional football is a good alternative, as with the UFL in the spring -- they won't have to compete against NFL slots such as Patriots games.”
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Communications Professor Michael Napolitano (aka Vic Michaels), who is also a Rhode Island resident, said that he also likes the decision. “It’s good for the city of Pawtucket because after the Paw Sox left, they had nothing!” Vic said, “It’ll be another football team to follow during the non-NFL season.”
Both Parent and Michaels are planning on attending a UFL game at Centreville Bank. “I've been to a handful of Rhode Island FC games over the past two years and would like to see the stadium setup for football.” Parent said.
“I’ll definitely go to a game,” Vic said. “They got to make the money back. You got to cover all their expenses, so I hope they pack that stadium with all kinds of events -- great idea!”
The team's first game is slated for Friday, April 2, 2027, at 8 pm.
