The Michigan Panthers, who were brought back as part of the USFL in 2022 before joining the merged UFL, are rumored to relocate for the 2026 season.

According to Pro Football Newsroom’s James Larsen, the Michigan Panthers — Bates’ former team in the United Football League (UFL) — are among four teams rumored to be relocated ahead of the league’s upcoming season. The others are the Houston Roughnecks, the Birmingham Stallions, and the Memphis Showboats.

The Michigan Panthers, which was founded in 2022, may be relocating out of Detroit, according to a report. Pro Football Newsroom's James Larsen first reported on the relocation. A source could not confirm whether the team was moving but told CBS News Detroit that six of seven people at the franchise's front office were laid off,