St. Louis Battlehawks Overview
The St. Louis Battlehawks are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They compete in the United Football League (UFL) and were originally founded on December 5, 2018, as part of the XFL. The team is owned by Alpha Acquico, a group including Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners. The Battlehawks play their home games at The Dome at America’s Center and are recognized for their royal blue and silver team colors. They have achieved notable success with two UFL championships in 2024 and 2025 under head coach Ricky Proehl.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The St. Louis Battlehawks were established on December 5, 2018, as one of the eight founding teams of the reformed XFL. The team was created to bring professional football back to St. Louis following the departure of NFL franchises from the city. The original ownership was under Vince McMahon’s Alpha Entertainment, with the goal of establishing a competitive and fan-supported team in a market that had lost its NFL presence. The Battlehawks built their initial operations around The Dome at America’s Center, a stadium designed for professional football, and assembled a coaching staff led by Jonathan Hayes in their inaugural season.
Growth Into UFL Competition
After the XFL suspended operations in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league was purchased by a consortium led by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, and RedBird Capital Partners. The Battlehawks were revived and confirmed to return for the 2023 season with Anthony Becht initially announced as head coach, later replaced by Ricky Proehl. The team transitioned into the newly formed United Football League (UFL) following a merger between the XFL and USFL in 2024. The Battlehawks maintained strong fan support and competitive performance, securing their place in the North Division and continuing to play at The Dome at America’s Center.
St. Louis Battlehawks Competitive Journey
The Battlehawks have progressed from their early days in the XFL to becoming a dominant force in the UFL. Their competitive journey includes strong regular-season performances, playoff appearances, and back-to-back league championships.
Early Seasons and Development (2020–2023)
The Battlehawks played their inaugural XFL season in 2020, finishing with a 3–2 record before the season was cut short by the pandemic. The team was notable for strong fan attendance and engagement, playing in a city without an NFL team. After the league’s suspension, the Battlehawks were revived under new ownership and returned to play in 2023. During this period, the team focused on building a competitive roster and solidifying its presence in the league, finishing the 2023 season with a 7–3 record.
Breakthrough in UFL (2024–2025)
The merger of the XFL and USFL led to the formation of the United Football League in 2024, where the Battlehawks quickly established themselves as a top contender. They won consecutive UFL championships in 2024 and 2025, also securing division titles in those years. The team benefited from strong coaching under Ricky Proehl and a talented roster, which helped them dominate their division and achieve playoff success. Their rivalry with teams like the Birmingham Stallions added intensity to their championship pursuits.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, the Battlehawks are owned by Alpha Acquico, with Dwayne Johnson and partners providing stable leadership. The team continues to play at The Dome at America’s Center, with improvements to their infrastructure and fan experience. The Battlehawks maintain a strong fan base, leading the league in attendance and social media followers. Their long-term goals include sustaining competitive excellence in the UFL and expanding their presence as Missouri’s premier professional football team.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Battlehawks emphasize a balanced approach combining strategic offense and resilient defense. Their identity is defined by strong fan engagement, tactical adaptability, and a focus on winning close games. They excel in maintaining competitive intensity throughout the season and leveraging home-field advantage at The Dome.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments include their first franchise win in 2020, the successful revival and return in 2023, and back-to-back UFL championships in 2024 and 2025. The team set attendance records for alternative football leagues and cultivated intense rivalries, notably with the DC Defenders and Birmingham Stallions. Their presence has revitalized professional football enthusiasm in St. Louis.
St. Louis Battlehawks Achievements and Results
The St. Louis Battlehawks have secured two UFL championships and two division titles, marking them as one of the most successful teams in the league’s recent history. Their consistent playoff appearances and strong regular-season records highlight their competitive stature.
UFL Achievements
The Battlehawks won the UFL Cup in consecutive years, 2024 and 2025, demonstrating their dominance in the league. Their first championship marked a significant milestone, establishing the team as a powerhouse. These victories were supported by strong coaching, skilled players, and robust fan support.
Division Achievements
The team captured the North Division titles in both 2024 and 2025, securing top positions in their division and earning playoff berths. Their divisional success was critical to their championship runs and helped build rivalries within the league.
Series Achievements
Since their inception, the Battlehawks have maintained a franchise regular season winning percentage of .714 as of 2025. Their consistent performance across seasons has contributed to their reputation as a competitive and well-managed team in alternative professional football leagues.
