(Photo credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images)

The United Football League announced plans Thursday to launch a new team in Oklahoma City in 2028.

'Oklahoma lives and breathes football, so bringing the UFL to Oklahoma City was an easy decision,' league co-owner Mike Repole said in a news release. 'This is a state that shows up, cares deeply, and truly understands the game. From college powerhouses to Friday night lights, football runs deep here. We're committed to building a franchise in OKC that the entire state can rally behind.'

UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said another expansion market is planned to bring membership to 10 teams within two years. Repole has said his ultimate goal is to reach 16 teams by 2035.

The spring football league kicked off its third season on March 27 with eight teams playing a 10-week regular season. The top four teams make the playoffs, with the championship game scheduled for June 13.

The UFL's current teams are the Birmingham Stallions, Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades, DC Defenders, Houston Gamblers, Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm and St. Louis Battlehawks.

The Oklahoma City franchise will play in the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium, a 10,000-seat venue currently under development downtown as a facility for soccer and other events.

'Oklahoma City welcomes the UFL to our championship city!' said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in the release. 'We love sports and we love football, so we think this should be a great fit. We have always said that the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium opens up new opportunities for our city, and this is a perfect example. We look forward to the UFL's arrival in 2028!'

--Field Level Media