Offseason Hot Stove Heading Into 2026


December 30, 2025
By Daniel Cohen

Still with four months to go until the start of the season, this offseason has already been loaded with splashy signings, notable coaching shifts, and organizational changes around the league. Here’s everything you need to be caught up on as we head into 2026.

New Era in Indy

When it comes to 2026 roster announcements, there’s been no bigger story this offseason than the Indianapolis AlleyCats. With new Head Coach and General Manager Nathan Bussberg at the helm, the AlleyCats have taken an aggressive approach to free agency, pursuing new additions from all over the league. In addition to the extension of Seth Gudeman, here’s the current list of players taking the field for Indy in 2026:

  • Jeremiah Branson - Returns after one year in SLC

  • Cam Brock - All-time leading goal scorer; returns after one year in ATL

  • Jake Felton - Most assists in UFA over last two seasons; new addition (DET ‘24-’25)

  • Carter Hawkins - Returns for year four with Indy after sitting out in 2024

  • Elliot Hawkins - IND ’24, COL ‘25

  • Spencer Hawkins - UFA rookie

  • Nate Little - 2025 All Defense selection; new addition (PHI ‘21-’25)

  • Isaiah Mason - U24 Team USA; UFA rookie

  • Xavier Payne - 2025 All Defense selection; returns after one year in CHI

  • James Pollard - 2022 Most Improved Player; new addition (PHI ‘18-’24, MIN ‘25)

  • Will Wettengel - 2025 All Defense selection; returns after one year in CHI

Read more about this new chapter for the AlleyCats and Coach Bussberg’s vision for the organization.

Detroit and Los Angeles Suspend Operations

Announced on November 12, the Detroit Mechanix and Los Angeles Aviators have suspended operations and will not be playing in the UFA in 2026. “We thank the Aviators organization for more than a decade of contributions to our league, on and off the field,” said UFA Commissioner Tim DeByl, in the league’s official announcement. “And as one of the charter members, the Mechanix will always hold a special place in UFA history. We deeply thank [owner] Brent [Steepe], the team’s players past and present, and everyone who’s been part of the Mechanix family for their commitment to pro ultimate as well."

Coaching Changes Everywhere

As Evan Lepler reported earlier this month, the coaching landscape is about to look drastically different in 2026 compared to 2025. It appears as though nearly half the league will have new head coaches this year, with a handful already having been announced:

  • ATX - Casey Hogg and Joe Iannacone

  • CHI - Charlie Furse (previously co-head coach)

  • COL - Joe Durst

  • DC - TBA

  • HTX - Sean McCall 

  • IND - Nathan Bussberg

  • LV - TBA

  • OAK - TBA

  • PHI - Adam Callaghan 

  • PIT - David Berg

  • SEA - TBA

In addition to introducing new strategies on the field, coaching changes have the ability to inject new energy into a franchise, and we’ve seen these types of changes result in some major, often unexpected, jumps in the standings. Keep an eye on the above teams as they form new identities in 2026.

Colorado Rebrands as the Apex

After giving their name to the new NWSL team in town, the Colorado pro ultimate frisbee team is now the Colorado Apex. With fresh new colors and a logo that brings together mountains, a bear (one of Colorado’s apex predators), and the apex of a triangle, they have the chance to leverage the new look into a refreshed team identity and bring a rejuvenated energy into 2026.

Alex Atkins Signs With New York

Last month the Empire announced their first signing of the offseason, bringing in 2024 First Team All UFA selection Alex Atkins, who’s heading east after four seasons in Colorado. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the New York Empire," said Atkins. "We have an amazing group, and I’m excited to grow, compete, and see how far we can go together." 

The 6’4” hybrid has shown the ability to play all over the field on both sides of the disc, so it’ll be worth watching exactly how New York plans to deploy him in 2026 (and whether that changes throughout the season). The Empire are coming off their lowest regular season win total since 2017; can Atkins be the catalyst to get them back on track after two straight disappointing finishes?

Reigning MVP Returns For Year 2 With Boston

Last year’s league and Championship Weekend MVP Tobe Decraene will again suit up for Boston Glory in 2026 after making history last season:

  • First player to win both Rookie of the Year (2024) and league MVP

  • First player to win both Championship Weekend MVP and league MVP

  • First internationally-born MVP

  • Youngest MVP in UFA history (22 years old)

The Belgian star is only just getting started, and he has the potential to turn this Boston team into a dynasty alongside two-time MVP Jeff Babbitt, who is signed through 2026 but has yet to be officially announced for the new season. The sky’s the limit with these two leading the franchise—regardless of how rosters shape out around the league, expect Boston to be the preseason favorites to take home another trophy in 2026.

Team Tryouts Underway

Tryouts have been announced for most teams, with many taking place in January and early February. Click here for the full list of tryout dates and registration info.

Championship Weekend Back in Madison

For the second year in a row and the fifth time since 2016, Championship Weekend is coming back to the Capital City of Ultimate. 2026 UFA Championship Weekend presented by Pabst Light will be held on August 28-29 at Breese Stevens Field in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The 2025 event was the best in league history,” said UFA CEO & Commissioner Tim DeByl. More than 4,000 fans passed through the gates this past August to watch the two semifinal games and the championship game. Tickets are on sale now, and you can read the full Championship Weekend announcement here.

UFA Taking Over NFL Halftimes

UFA showcase games at NFL halftimes picked back up this year, with DC and Philly playing at a Commanders game (Northwest Stadium), Minnesota and DC playing at a Vikings game (US Bank Stadium), and Madison and Chicago playing at a Packers game (Lambeau Field). The Breeze vs. Wind Chill game at US Bank in particular featured tons of playmaking, with Bryan Vohnoutka even getting a feature on ESPN’s “You Got Mossed.” Watch highlights here.