2025 - TEAM FORMATION & UFL ANNOUNCES AVIATORS FOR 2026

The Columbus Aviators are an upcoming professional American football team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Aviators compete in the United Football League (UFL). The team is scheduled to begin play in 2026 and, like all of the UFL’s teams, are owned by the UFL. The team was officially announced on October 7, 2025, as one of three new franchises replacing the Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, and San Antonio Brahmas, keeping the league at eight teams for the 2026 season.