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| Rhode Island Breakers official logo. (Provided: United Football League) |
The introduction of the Rhode Island Breakers marks a new chapter in the state's storied professional football history, which dates back over a century. The original Providence Steam Roller, founded in 1916, was a charter member of the NFL and notably won the league championship in 1928 - the first and only time a now-defunct team has won the title. First playing in Kinsley Park, where they became the first NFL team to play a night game under the lights, and later at the unique bicycle-racing stadium called the Cycledrome, the Steam Roller established a legacy of tough, trench-tested football in New England. The arrival of the UFL's Breakers resurrects this deep-rooted heritage, reawakening a passionate fanbase and connecting the Ocean State to its pathfinder pro football past.
While the Breakers name also pays homage to spring football history and the USFL team that played in Boston, New Orleans, and Portland from 1983-1985, the Rhode Island Breakers will begin establishing their own identity in Rhode Island, building a long-lasting connection with fans throughout the region.
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Rhode Island Breakers to the community and fans across the Ocean State. This state deserved a team that proudly bears the name ‘Rhode Island,’ and we couldn't be more excited to kick off play right here at Centreville Bank Stadium this spring,” said UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. “When we thought about nicknames, Breakers was the perfect fit and was met with universal enthusiasm from our team. Not only does the nickname give a nod to professional spring football history, but it’s the perfect fit for the region’s tough coastal community. The Breakers are named for the relentless waves that crash against Rhode Island’s rocky shores, a force that never backs down, never lets up, and just keeps coming. We know this team is going to take on the shared characteristics of Rhode Islanders and their Head Coach AJ McCarron - a tough, gritty team that will take great pride in playing for the Ocean State!”
Rooted in Rhode Island’s rich maritime heritage, the logo brings the state’s interlocking initials to life with a lighthouse representing the “I” rising from the bold “R”. The lighthouse has its lamp lit to lead the way during the roughest seas, and represents a beacon of resolute energy and community pride. Thoughtful color selections include Riptide Blue, Beacon Yellow, Nor’Easter Navy, and Whitecap – all of which pay homage to Rhode Island’s “Ocean State” nickname, the coastal waters, and connection to the region’s historic lighthouses.
The unveiling of the team name, logo, and colors marks another milestone in the UFL’s expansion into Rhode Island, which was announced earlier this year. The Breakers will begin play in 2027 under Head Coach AJ McCarron, who will build from the 2026 Birmingham Stallions roster for the team’s inaugural season. The base roster continuity provides an established foundation of players as the franchise begins building its presence in the region.
The Breakers roster will continue to take shape through UFL Showcase participants, free agents, and the 2027 UFL Draft, taking place in St. Louis on November 18. Rhode Island will have the 3rd overall pick in the First Round, and the 2nd pick in the Second Round.
The team will play their home games at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket. Season tickets, which include five home games, start at $75 and are on sale now at www.theufl.com/rhode-island-tickets. Fans who purchase season tickets by November 1 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to St. Louis to attend the 2027 UFL Draft.
While the Breakers name also pays homage to spring football history and the USFL team that played in Boston, New Orleans, and Portland from 1983-1985, the Rhode Island Breakers will begin establishing their own identity in Rhode Island, building a long-lasting connection with fans throughout the region.
The tide is turning in Rhode Island 🌊 https://t.co/LYeazwATtT
— Rhode Island Breakers (@UFLBreakers) October 18, 2026
“We’re incredibly proud to introduce the Rhode Island Breakers to the community and fans across the Ocean State. This state deserved a team that proudly bears the name ‘Rhode Island,’ and we couldn't be more excited to kick off play right here at Centreville Bank Stadium this spring,” said UFL President & CEO Russ Brandon. “When we thought about nicknames, Breakers was the perfect fit and was met with universal enthusiasm from our team. Not only does the nickname give a nod to professional spring football history, but it’s the perfect fit for the region’s tough coastal community. The Breakers are named for the relentless waves that crash against Rhode Island’s rocky shores, a force that never backs down, never lets up, and just keeps coming. We know this team is going to take on the shared characteristics of Rhode Islanders and their Head Coach AJ McCarron - a tough, gritty team that will take great pride in playing for the Ocean State!”
Rooted in Rhode Island’s rich maritime heritage, the logo brings the state’s interlocking initials to life with a lighthouse representing the “I” rising from the bold “R”. The lighthouse has its lamp lit to lead the way during the roughest seas, and represents a beacon of resolute energy and community pride. Thoughtful color selections include Riptide Blue, Beacon Yellow, Nor’Easter Navy, and Whitecap – all of which pay homage to Rhode Island’s “Ocean State” nickname, the coastal waters, and connection to the region’s historic lighthouses.
The unveiling of the team name, logo, and colors marks another milestone in the UFL’s expansion into Rhode Island, which was announced earlier this year. The Breakers will begin play in 2027 under Head Coach AJ McCarron, who will build from the 2026 Birmingham Stallions roster for the team’s inaugural season. The base roster continuity provides an established foundation of players as the franchise begins building its presence in the region.
The Breakers roster will continue to take shape through UFL Showcase participants, free agents, and the 2027 UFL Draft, taking place in St. Louis on November 18. Rhode Island will have the 3rd overall pick in the First Round, and the 2nd pick in the Second Round.
The team will play their home games at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket. Season tickets, which include five home games, start at $75 and are on sale now at www.theufl.com/rhode-island-tickets. Fans who purchase season tickets by November 1 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to St. Louis to attend the 2027 UFL Draft.

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