Cleveland Gladiators To Begin Play In 2026

CLEVELAND, OH -- The Cleveland Gladiators will have to wait a little longer to take the field as part of the National Gridiron League (NGL). The league has announced that the Gladiators will not compete during its inaugural season in 2025 but will begin play in the spring of 2026, joining the league’s second season.

The NGL recently finalized plans to launch with eight teams for the 2025 season, focusing on ensuring a competitive and sustainable start to league operations. The Gladiators were among several teams informed of the league’s decision to delay their entry by one year as part of a strategic effort to strengthen the league’s long-term stability and expansion.

“This decision was not made lightly,” said an NGL spokesperson. “We remain fully committed to bringing professional football to Cleveland and are confident the Gladiators will play a pivotal role in our future success. We aim to launch strong and grow steadily, ensuring all teams are set up for long-term competitiveness and community engagement.”

The Gladiators’ executive team expressed understanding and optimism about the decision. “While we are eager to compete, we respect the league’s direction and are excited to continue building our team, community presence, and fan base over the next year,” said a representative for the team.

The Gladiators will use the additional time to further develop their roster, finalize facilities, and enhance engagement with local fans in preparation for their long-awaited debut in 2026.

The NGL’s inaugural 2025 season will feature eight teams, with the expectation of expanding further in the following years. As excitement for the league builds, Cleveland fans can look forward to seeing the Gladiators take the field in what promises to be a thrilling and competitive second season.

For updates and more information on the Cleveland Gladiators, visit clevelandgladiators.net.