ST. LOUIS—As the St. Louis Battlehawks prepare for the 2026 United Football League (UFL) season, they will do so under new leadership with the departure of head coach Anthony Becht. Becht, who accrued a commendable 22-8 record over three seasons, is leaving St. Louis to take the helm of the newly established Orlando Storm, which emerged following the relocation of several league teams after last season.
In his announcement, Becht expressed mixed emotions about leaving the Battlehawks, a team and city he holds dear. “I am filled with mixed emotions… to take on the exciting challenge of building a new team—the Orlando Storm,” he stated. He emphasized his connection to Florida, where he spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and expressed gratitude to Battlehawks fans for their unwavering support, noting they would always have a place in his heart.
UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon underscored Becht’s qualifications for leading the new franchise, highlighting his expertise as essential to the success of the Orlando Storm. “We needed someone who had the expertise to build a new franchise like the Orlando Storm from the ground up, and what better person to do that than Anthony Becht,” said Brandon.
During a recent Zoom call, Becht praised his time in St. Louis and shared his intentions to bring similar success to Orlando, promising consistent engagement with fans—a hallmark of his tenure in St. Louis. He also sought to reassure Battlehawks supporters about the league’s commitment to the city, noting that while changes were taking place elsewhere, St. Louis remains a leading franchise in the league.
Brandon hinted at exciting news regarding the appointment of the new head coach for St. Louis, promising to continue the tradition established under Becht’s leadership. “We’re excited about what we have built in St. Louis and AB’s been a massive part of that… we think you’ll be very pleased.”
Despite leading the league in average attendance since 2020, the Battlehawks have observed a slight decline in fan turnout. In 2023, an average of 35,104 fans attended games, which dropped to 34,365 in 2024, and further decreased to 29,537 in 2025 as the season faced closer proximity to other major sporting events.
The UFL is undergoing significant changes with new co-owner Mike Repole spearheading relocations of teams, including those to Orlando, Louisville, and Columbus, while transitioning to play in MLS stadiums. In 2026, only the Battlehawks and the Birmingham Stallions will remain in football-specific venues.
Brandon remains optimistic about the franchise’s future, noting the strong relationship with the fans and expressing a desire to amplify attendance. “There’s a reason we draw 30 to 40,000 people in that building, and we want to amp that up again,” he told reporters. The Battlehawks are poised to continue their proud tradition in St. Louis, emboldened by the community’s passion for the sport and the leadership transitions within the league.