Louisville Kings earn first UFL win in overtime

The Kings defeated the Houston Gamblers in a close game on the road.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:29am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game, with the players and field reduced to angular, overlapping shapes in the official team colors of the Louisville Kings and Houston Gamblers.The Louisville Kings' thrilling overtime victory against the Houston Gamblers showcases the raw energy and competitive spirit of the new UFL franchise.Louisville Today

The Louisville Kings, a new franchise in the United Football League (UFL), earned their first win on Sunday by defeating the Houston Gamblers in overtime. The final score was 27-24, with the Kings scoring the game-winning touchdown in the extra period.

Why it matters

This victory is an important milestone for the Louisville Kings as they establish themselves in the UFL. The win shows the team's potential and will help build momentum and fan support in their inaugural season.

The details

The game was a close battle throughout, with the Gamblers taking a 24-21 lead late in the fourth quarter. However, the Kings were able to drive down the field and score a touchdown to tie the game and send it to overtime. In the extra period, the Kings' offense made a crucial play to secure the victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 17, 2026.
  • This was the Kings' first win of the 2026 UFL season.

The players

Louisville Kings

A new franchise in the United Football League, based in Louisville, Kentucky.

Houston Gamblers

A UFL team based in Houston, Texas.

Chris Redman

The head coach of the Louisville Kings.

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What they’re saying

“This win is huge for our team and our fans. We've been working hard to build something special here in Louisville, and this is an important first step.”

— Chris Redman, Head Coach, Louisville Kings

What’s next

The Kings will look to build on this momentum as they continue their inaugural UFL season. Their next game is scheduled for April 24th against the defending champion San Antonio Outlaws.

The takeaway

The Louisville Kings' first-ever UFL win demonstrates the team's potential and the growing excitement around professional football in the Derby City. This victory sets the stage for the Kings to establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.