2026 UFL Playoffs First Round Results: Defenders and Kings Advance to United Bowl

The UFL playoffs are here, with four teams vying for the trophy. FOX had all the action for Sunday’s slate, which includes two games that will decide who faces off in the United Bowl on Sunday, June 14. First, the DC Defenders will face the Orlando Storm in the third matchup between the two teams in the last three weeks. The Storm won the first two meetings, but the Defenders will look to come back when it matters most. The nightcap features the Louisville Kings and St. Louis Battlehawks. The Battlehawks lost in the conference championship game last season, so they will look to take the next step. Here are the results from the first round of the 2026 UFL playoffs. Louisville Kings 29, St. Louis Battlehawks 20 Key players: Kings QB Chandler Rogers (12 of 20 for 162 yards and a touchdown), RB Ian Wheelers (89 rushing yards and a touchdown), LB Cam Gill (six tackles and a sack); Battlehawks QB Luis Perez (27 of 45 for 249 yards, one touchdown, one interception), WR Steven McBride (six catches on 10 targets, 84 receiving yards). Game recap: The Kings took an eight-point lead after a four-point, 60-yard field goal from Tanner Brown. The Battlehawks took the lead when Luis Perez connected with Blake Jackson for a 12-yard touchdown. Ian Wheeler’s 51-yard touchdown put the Kings back up four, and Brown added another four-point field goal to build a cushion. Next up: The Defenders and Kings have qualified for the United Bowl and will face off on Saturday, June 13 for the UFL Championship. DC Defenders 28, Orlando Storm 22 Key Players: Defenders QB Jason Bean (18 of 33 for 233 yards and a touchdown), RB Abram Smith (57 rushing yards and a touchdown), WR Briley Moore (four receptions, 55 yards and a touchdown); Storm QB Jack Plummer (15 of 28 for 226 yards, one touchdown, one interception), WR Chris Rowland (six catches, 82 receiving yards and one touchdown). Game Recap: The Defenders took a 10-point lead after two three-yard rushing touchdowns from Deon Jackson and Abram Smith. The Storm got back into the game when Kana’i Mauga intercepted backup quarterback Spencer Sanders and returned it for a touchdown. DC restored a 24-13 advantage when Bean and Moore connected for a 33-yard touchdown. The Defenders cushioned the lead with a four-point field goal from Matt McCrane, who made it 61 yards. The Storm scored with a 40-yard reception by Rowland with 3:10 left, but failed to get a stop and get the ball back to complete the comeback. Over the past three weeks, the Defenders and Storm have played three matches. The Storm won both regular season matchups, but the Defenders found a way when it mattered most, earning a trip to the United Bowl. Next up: The Defenders and Kings have qualified for the United Bowl and will face off on Saturday, June 13 for the UFL Championship.