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Sport: FootballCategory: Transactions

Mike Repole addresses attendance drops for Battlehawks and Defenders

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:49 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Mike Repole addresses attendance drops for Battlehawks and Defenders
Summary

UFL co-owner Mike Repole apologized to the St. Louis Battlehawks and D.C. Defenders for significant attendance declines during the 2026 season. The average attendance in St. Louis dropped 21 percent to 23,257, while D.C. saw a 31 percent decline to about 9,000 fans. Repole attributed these drops to resource allocation for new UFL markets but emphasized that both franchises would receive more support moving forward. Repole noted the league had been struggling for years but expressed hope that the adjustments would secure the future of the Battlehawks and Defenders in the league.

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Yahoo Sports
Key Details
  • •Battlehawks attendance dropped 21 percent to 23,257 in 2026.
  • •Defenders attendance declined 31 percent to about 9,000.
  • •Repole committed to increasing resources for both teams.
  • •Repole acknowledged the UFL's recent struggles.
  • •The league plans to enhance local staff and marketing efforts.
Latest Updates
  • 4:49 PMYahoo Sports — UFL co-owner Mike Repole apologizes to Battlehawks, Defenders for attendance drops
What they're saying
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As the UFL continues its planning for the 2027 season, it's reflecting on some of the failures from 2026.

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