Louisville Kings
In the vibrant landscape of professional American football, a new force has emerged in Louisville, Kentucky: the Louisville Kings. This team, competing in the United Football League, is backed by an intriguing mix of star power and strategic vision, aiming to capture the heart of a city renowned for its sporting passion. Join us as we explore the origins, unique identity, and promising future of Louisville's newest professional football franchise. The Louisville Kings are a UFL team co-owned by actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Fox Corporation, bringing star power and significant backing to the league. The team's identity, including its 'Kings' name and choice of an intimate home stadium, is deeply rooted in Kentucky's rich thoroughbred racing culture and a desire for a unique fan experience. Despite being a new franchise, the Kings have quickly generated strong fan enthusiasm and ticket demand, highlighting Louisville's readiness for professional outdoor football.
AI Summary
In the vibrant landscape of professional American football, a new force has emerged in Louisville, Kentucky: the Louisville Kings. This team, competing in the United Football League, is backed by an intriguing mix of star power and strategic vision, aiming to capture the heart of a city renowned for its sporting passion. Join us as we explore the origins, unique identity, and promising future of Louisville's newest professional football franchise.
- The Louisville Kings are a UFL team co-owned by actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Fox Corporation, bringing star power and significant backing to the league.
- The team's identity, including its 'Kings' name and choice of an intimate home stadium, is deeply rooted in Kentucky's rich thoroughbred racing culture and a desire for a unique fan experience.
- Despite being a new franchise, the Kings have quickly generated strong fan enthusiasm and ticket demand, highlighting Louisville's readiness for professional outdoor football.
A New Reign in Louisville
In 2026, a new chapter in American football began with the founding of the Louisville Kings. This professional team proudly represents Louisville, Kentucky, competing in the dynamic United Football League, or UFL.
What makes this team particularly noteworthy is its high-profile ownership. The Kings are co-owned and operated by Alpha Acquico, an entity famously controlled by actor Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, alongside the prominent Fox Corporation. It's a powerful combination of entertainment and media muscle.
Birth of a King
The Kings officially stormed onto the scene on October 7, 2025. Their regal name and mascot aren't just for show — they're a deliberate nod to Kentucky's esteemed thoroughbred racing history, often called the 'sport of kings.'
Co-owner Mike Repole, with two decades of experience in Kentucky's horse racing stable operations, drew direct inspiration from this heritage. Faced with popular horse-related names like 'Stallions' and 'Colts' already taken, the 'sport of kings' offered a perfect, distinctive fit for Louisville's new team. Even the city's mayor, Craig Greenberg, noted the name's poetic resonance, considering Louisville was named after French monarch Louis XVI.
Home Field Advantage
The Kings will call Lynn Family Stadium home, a choice that speaks volumes about their vision. While many UFL stadiums boast capacities of 20,000 spectators or more, Lynn Family Stadium is notably smaller.
This wasn't an oversight. Owner Mike Repole specifically sought out Lynn Family Stadium for its promise of a more intimate, fan-focused atmosphere. He even stated he wouldn't have brought a team to Louisville if he'd been forced to use the city's much larger L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
A Local Legend Joins the Court
Adding to their local connection, Eric Wood, a former offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills and a familiar voice as a radio color analyst, was named the Kings' first community ambassador. His deep ties to football and a passion for community involvement make him a fitting representative.
Louisville's Football Throne
The Louisville Kings hold a unique position as the only professional football team in not just Louisville, but all of Kentucky. They mark the return of professional outdoor football to the city, a void that hadn't been filled since the Kentucky Trackers of the American Football Association played their last game in 1980.
While football is making a grand return, Louisville is no stranger to professional sports. The city is also home to the Louisville Bats baseball team, Louisville City FC in men's soccer, and Racing Louisville FC in the National Women's Soccer League. The Kings join a proud sporting family.
College Town, Pro Ambition
Louisville's sports market is also profoundly shaped by its powerful collegiate athletic programs, particularly those of the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. The Kings aim to tap into this passionate fan base, bridging the gap between collegiate rivalries and professional allegiances.
The Fans Declare Their Loyalty
Even before their first game, the Kings demonstrated remarkable popularity. Among the UFL's three newly relocated teams for the 2026 season, Louisville has seen the strongest demand for ticket sales. This immediate enthusiasm led to the formation of a dedicated supporters group, the 'Kings' Court,' within just a month of the team's announcement.
Royalty on the Field
The inaugural Kings roster features a blend of promising talent, including several players with previous NFL experience who are eager to make their mark in the UFL.
Season Pos Name Notes 2026–present CB Cameron Dantzler Former Minnesota Vikings Cornerback, 2020 3rd Round Pick 2026 WR Lynn Bowden Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver, 2020 3rd round pick 2026–present RB Benny Snell Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, 2019 4th round pick 2026 RB James Robinson Former Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Leading the Charge
Guiding the Louisville Kings from the sidelines is Head Coach Chris Redman, a seasoned football mind ready to steer the team through its inaugural UFL season.
# Coach Term Regular season GC Regular season W Regular season L Regular season Win % Playoffs GC Playoffs W Playoffs L 1 Chris Redman 2026–present 1 0 1 .000 – – –
Crafting the Offense
Orchestrating the Kings' offensive strategies is Offensive Coordinator Steve Logan, tasked with developing a formidable attack to conquer their UFL opponents.
# Coach Term Regular season GC Regular season W Regular season L Regular season Win % Playoffs GC Playoffs W Playoffs L 1 Steve Logan 2026–present 1 0 1 .000 – – –
Fortifying the Defense
On the defensive side, Jamie Sharper steps in as the Defensive Coordinator, responsible for building a strong, unyielding defense to protect the Kings' territory.
# Coach Term Regular season GC Regular season W Regular season L Regular season Win % Playoffs GC Playoffs W Playoffs L 1 Jamie Sharper 2026–present 1 0 1 .000 – – –
Article
Louisville Kings
The Louisville Kings are a professional American football team based in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kings compete in the United Football League (UFL). The team was founded in 2026 by current owners and operators by Alpha Acquico, controlled by actor Dwayne Johnson, and Fox Corporation. The Kings will play their home games at Lynn Family Stadium, in Louisville, Kentucky.
History
Louisville Kings
The Kings were established October 7, 2025. Its name and mascot comes from Kentucky's thoroughbred racing history; co-owner Mike Repole had a 20-year history operating a horse racing stable in the state and racing horses in the Kentucky Derby. Noting that most of the other horse-related mascots such as "Stallions" and "Colts" were already taken, Repole drew inspiration from horse racing's reputation as a "sport of kings." He also considered the possibility of approaching the Louisville Slugger baseball bat company about licensing the name Louisville Sluggers, but decided against it. Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg noted the name's appropriate fit, given the city being named after Louis XVI, the French monarch.
Lynn Family Stadium is the smallest stadium in the UFL, with most others having a capacity of at least 20,000 spectators. Repole had specifically sought out the stadium for a more intimate atmosphere and remarked that if he had been required to use L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, the much larger football stadium in the city, he would have not brought a team there.
Eric Wood, the Buffalo Bills former offensive lineman and current radio color analyst, was named the team's first community ambassador.
Market overview
Louisville Kings
The Kings are the only professional football team in not only Louisville, but in all of Kentucky and the first professional outdoor team in Louisville since the Kentucky Trackers of the American Football Association in 1980. Louisville is home to three major and minor league professional sports teams, the Louisville Bats of the International League, Louisville City FC in USL Championship, and Racing Louisville FC of the National Women's Soccer League.
The market is also heavily influenced by the collegiate teams from the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.
The Kings have had the strongest demand for ticket sales of the three newly relocated teams for the 2026 season. Within a month of the announcement, a supporters group, the Kings' Court, had been established and was seeking official recognition.
Player history
Notable players
<table><thead><tr><th>Season</th><th>Pos</th><th>Name</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2026–present</td><td>CB</td><td>Cameron Dantzler</td><td>Former Minnesota Vikings Cornerback, 2020 3rd Round Pick</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>WR</td><td>Lynn Bowden</td><td>Former New Orleans Saints wide receiver, 2020 3rd round pick</td></tr><tr><td>2026–present</td><td>RB</td><td>Benny Snell</td><td>Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, 2019 4th round pick</td></tr><tr><td>2026</td><td>RB</td><td>James Robinson</td><td>Former Jacksonville Jaguars running back</td></tr></tbody></table>
Coach history
Head coaches
<table><thead><tr><th>#</th><th>Coach</th><th>Term</th><th>Regular season</th><th>Playoffs</th><th>Awards</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>Win %</td><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Louisville Kings</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Chris Redman</td><td>2026–present</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>.000</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Offensive coordinators
<table><thead><tr><th>#</th><th>Coach</th><th>Term</th><th>Regular season</th><th>Playoffs</th><th>Awards</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>Win %</td><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Louisville Kings</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Steve Logan</td><td>2026–present</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>.000</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Defensive coordinators
<table><thead><tr><th>#</th><th>Coach</th><th>Term</th><th>Regular season</th><th>Playoffs</th><th>Awards</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td><td>Win %</td><td>GC</td><td>W</td><td>L</td></tr><tr><td>Louisville Kings</td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Jamie Sharper</td><td>2026–present</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>.000</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td>–</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>