Dallas Renegades Overview
The Dallas Renegades are a professional American football team based in Frisco, Texas, competing in the United Football League (UFL). Founded in December 2018, the team initially played under the Dallas Renegades name before rebranding as the Arlington Renegades from 2023 to 2025. The team reverted to the Dallas Renegades name for the 2026 season. They play their home games at Toyota Stadium and are owned by Alpha Acquico, a consortium controlled by Dwayne Johnson and Fox Corporation. The Renegades are known for their light blue, black, and red team colors and have a notable rivalry history within Texas football leagues. They won the 2023 XFL Championship despite a 4–6 regular-season record.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Dallas Renegades were established on December 5, 2018, as one of eight teams in the newly reformed XFL, announced by Vince McMahon’s Alpha Entertainment. The franchise was created to bring professional football back to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, a region with a rich football history and a competitive sports market. The team’s initial goal was to build a competitive squad that could engage local fans and establish a strong presence in the league.
Bob Stoops, the longtime head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners football team, was hired as the team’s first head coach in February 2019, becoming the XFL’s first coaching hire. The team quickly assembled its coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Hal Mumme and defensive coordinator Chris Woods. The Renegades announced their first player, former NFL quarterback Landry Jones, in October 2019. The team unveiled its name, logo, and uniforms later that year, setting the foundation for its brand identity.
Growth Into UFL Competition
The Renegades began their competitive journey in the XFL’s West Division in 2020, playing home games at Globe Life Park (now Choctaw Stadium) in Arlington, Texas. Despite a promising start, the 2020 season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the team finishing with a 2–3 record. The league suspended operations in April 2020, leading to uncertainty about the team’s future.
In August 2020, a consortium led by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Gerry Cardinale purchased the XFL, reviving the league and the Renegades franchise. The team was rebranded as the Arlington Renegades for the 2023 season, competing in the South Division and playing at Choctaw Stadium. The franchise continued to grow, culminating in a surprising 2023 XFL Championship win. Following the merger of the XFL and USFL in 2024, the team transitioned to the United Football League, moving its home games to Toyota Stadium in Frisco and reverting to the Dallas Renegades name for the 2026 season.
Dallas Renegades Competitive Journey
The Dallas Renegades have experienced a dynamic competitive journey, marked by early development, league interruptions, rebranding, and eventual championship success. Their progression reflects resilience and adaptability within evolving professional football landscapes.
Early Seasons and Development (2019–2020)
The Renegades’ inaugural season in 2020 saw the team quickly establishing itself with key players like Landry Jones and Cameron Artis-Payne. The team secured its first win against the Los Angeles Wildcats and showed competitive promise with a 2–3 record before the season’s abrupt end due to the pandemic. The early approach focused on building a balanced offense and a solid defense under the leadership of Bob Stoops.
Despite the shortened season, the Renegades gained valuable experience and fan support. The team’s initial sponsors and partnerships helped lay the groundwork for future operations. However, the suspension of the XFL operations in April 2020 halted momentum and led to organizational restructuring.
Breakthrough in XFL (2023)
After the league’s revival under new ownership, the Renegades competed as the Arlington Renegades in the 2023 XFL season. Despite finishing the regular season with a 4–6 record, the team secured the South Division title and entered the playoffs as underdogs. The Renegades defeated the Houston Roughnecks in the division playoff and then triumphed over the 10–1 D.C. Defenders in the XFL Championship Game with a 35–26 victory.
Quarterback Luis Perez played a pivotal role in the championship run, throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the final. The team’s strategic adjustments, resilience, and strong playoff performance marked a significant breakthrough, culminating in their first XFL title. This championship was a landmark achievement that elevated the franchise’s status.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
Following the 2023 championship, the Renegades became part of the United Football League after the merger of the XFL and USFL in 2024. The team moved its home games to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, and reverted to the Dallas Renegades name for the 2026 season. The ownership under Alpha Acquico, led by Dwayne Johnson and Fox Corporation, continues to invest in the team’s growth.
Rick Neuheisel serves as the head coach, guiding the team through this new era. The Renegades have focused on strengthening their roster and infrastructure to compete at a high level in the UFL. Their long-term goals include sustained competitive success and expanding their fan base in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Dallas Renegades emphasize resilience, strategic adaptability, and strong team cohesion. Their competitive strengths lie in effective offensive execution and opportunistic defense, enabling them to perform well in high-pressure playoff situations. The team excels in leveraging underdog status to motivate performance and capitalize on critical moments.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones for the Renegades include their first franchise win in 2020, the 2023 South Division Championship, and their landmark 2023 XFL Championship victory. The team’s rebranding phases and league transitions also represent significant organizational moments. Notably, their championship win over the heavily favored D.C. Defenders marked a historic achievement.
Dallas Renegades Achievements and Results
The Dallas Renegades have secured notable accomplishments, including one XFL Championship and one South Division Championship, both achieved in 2023. Their playoff success despite a losing regular-season record highlights their competitive resilience.
XFL Achievements
The Renegades’ first major achievement was winning the 2023 XFL Championship. After a challenging regular season, the team excelled in the playoffs, defeating top contenders and securing their first league title. This victory stands as the franchise’s most significant highlight and a testament to their growth and determination.
Division Achievements
In 2023, the Renegades won the South Division Championship, which qualified them for the playoffs and set the stage for their championship run. This division title marked a turning point in the team’s competitive history and demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity.
Series Achievements
The Renegades have developed rivalries within Texas football, notably with the Houston Roughnecks and the D.C. Defenders. Their playoff victories against these teams have contributed to the team’s rising profile and competitive narrative within the league.
