League reports growth in ratings and fan interest while weighing expansion

The league's fan base showed signs of growth this season, according to an interview with ESPN. Per-team scoring rose 2.1 points per game compared with 2025 after a rule change that prohibited punts once an offense crossed the 50-yard line. Kickers converted four of ten field-goal attempts of 60 yards or longer during the regular season, and three such kicks occurred in the playoffs.

Merchandise demand increased enough that the league store ran out of stock.

Expansion and market review League officials will evaluate each existing market after Sunday's game. One executive said there is an 80 percent chance all eight current markets will be retained, while noting interest from several new markets. The league has announced plans to add a team in Oklahoma City in 2028.

Other possible sites mentioned include New England, Austin, Raleigh, Queens, New Mexico, Greenville or Charleston, Birmingham attendance fell 16 percent from 2025 to 2026.

Roster and personnel changes Coaches and personnel staff will focus on quarterback recruitment for 2027 after more than half the teams changed quarterbacks at midseason. Several coaches said they had limited roster flexibility following the dismissal of team personnel directors. One coach stated the league office now manages rosters and said changes next year would improve football quality.