The Future of the UFL
May 13, 2025
From rulebook rewrites to community-rooted fan bases, the United Football League is redefining what it means to be a modern pro sports league. In this special live episode of Coffee with Ken, NFL legend and UFL EVP Daryl “Moose” Johnston and DC Defenders VP Kate Greenberg join us at Audi Field to talk about the future of football—and the culture being built around it.
Together, they share how the UFL is breaking with tradition to deliver a game that’s faster, more transparent, and more connected to the fans and cities it serves. From real-time rule changes to mic’d-up players and direct access to league leadership, this conversation dives into what it means to build a league—and a team—that can truly endure.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation:
A League with Staying Power
Johnston explains why the UFL isn’t a developmental league—it’s a professional spring football platform that gives players, coaches, and staff a second chance or a new beginning.
DC’s Fan Culture Sets the Bar
Greenberg highlights how the Defenders built one of the most loyal and energetic fan bases in the UFL by connecting the team to the heart of the community—52 weeks a year.
Innovation You Can Feel
From Ironman cams to sideline mics and rule changes implemented in a single week, Johnston shares how the UFL’s structure allows for rapid innovation—on behalf of the players and fans.
More Than a Game
Both guests emphasize how football serves as a platform for opportunity, mentorship, and community—especially for those who may not have had a path through traditional systems.
Why This Conversation Matters:
In an era of fractured attention, expensive tickets, and rigid systems, the UFL is betting on something different: fan-first engagement, adaptive leadership, and community-rooted growth.
“You don’t fix what’s broken by playing it safe. You fix it by doing what the big leagues can’t—or won’t—do.” –
Whether you’re a football fan, a sports executive, or just curious about how new systems take hold, this episode offers a front-row seat to a league that’s rewriting the playbook—and winning hearts along the way.
