The Michigan Panthers are headed to the UFL Championship, and it looks like Detroit Lions fans are more than ready to tune in.
With the 2025 title game kicking off Saturday night (8 p.m. ET on ABC), the Panthers will take on the Birmingham Stallions in what’s become a surprisingly buzzworthy moment for spring football. And according to a recent SB Nation Reacts survey, a whopping 83% of Lions fans said they plan to watch the big game.
That’s a strong show of support from a fanbase that’s usually laser-focused on the NFL. So what’s driving the excitement? For some, it’s simple — it’s football in June, and they’ll take it. Others are eyeing potential talent, remembering how the Lions scooped up UFL kicker Jake Bates last year. The chance to scout future NFL contributors is real.
FanDuel even has the Panthers favored by 3.5 points, showing that the confidence in Michigan isn’t just local hype.
The comments on the original poll tell the story best. One fan called the UFL “fun to watch” and praised players like E.J. Perry and Toa Taua as guys to keep an eye on. Another put it bluntly: “Yes, it’s football… and this is the dead zone of the NFL season.”
The Panthers’ deep playoff run is also stirring some long-lost local pride. One commenter declared, “The Panthers are back, baby!” and shouted out the UFL’s unique rule changes — like doing away with extra point kicks in favor of on-field conversion attempts.
Spring football still has a long way to go to become mainstream, but if this year’s UFL championship viewership is any sign, Detroit fans might be leading the charge.
83% of Lions Fans Plan to Watch Michigan Panthers in UFL Title Game
