The 2025 United Football League postseason begins on June 8 with the XFL and USFL Conference Championship Games, setting the stage for the league’s championship finale on June 14 at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
Conference championships set venue drama
The USFL Conference Championship pits the Michigan Panthers (7-3) against the Birmingham Stallions (6-4) at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, AL, despite Michigan’s superior record. A scheduling conflict at Ford Field in Detroit, which hosted a Kendrick Lamar concert, forced the Panthers to cede home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the XFL Conference Championship sees the DC Defenders (6-4) travel to face the St. Louis Battlehawks (7-3) at the Dome at America’s Center, as DC’s Audi Field was booked for a DC United MLS match.
Road to the championship game
The winners of the June 8 conference matchups advance to the UFL Championship Game on June 14, to be held in St. Louis for the second consecutive year. The Birmingham Stallions enter as defending champions after claiming the inaugural 2024 title, aiming to extend their spring football dynasty.
Playoff structure and championship stakes
The UFL retained its conference format from the 2024 XFL-USFL merger, with the top two teams from each conference advancing. The winners of the June 8 games progress to the June 14 championship at the Dome at America’s Center, where the Birmingham Stallions aim to defend their 2024 title.
Television coverage and legacy
All playoff games will be aired on ESPN, ABC, or FOX, with streaming via ESPN+ and Fubo. The championship game will be broadcast exclusively on ABC, maintaining the league’s visibility strategy. The Stallions are seeking to solidify their spring football dominance, while the Battlehawks and Panthers are targeting their first UFL titles.
Legacy in the balance
With the UFL’s second season culminating in St. Louis, the league continues to refine its identity amid challenges like venue logistics and fan engagement. The 2025 playoffs not only determine a champion but also test the viability of the merged league’s structure ahead of potential expansion.
The UFL’s compact, week-long postseason—spanning June 8–14—offers a high-stakes showcase for spring football, blending tradition and innovation as it vies for a permanent place in the American sports landscape.