Spring Football Pool Guide 2026: AFL and UFL Contests
Spring football (AFL and UFL) fills the February-to-August NFL gap with weekly games perfect for Pick'em, Survivor, and Bankroll contests. Run both leagues in one ValueBet club to keep your football group active year-round.
The NFL offseason doesn't have to mean your football pool goes dormant. Spring football leagues deliver weekly games from March through July — enough to keep your group's competitive fire burning until training camp.
The Spring Football Landscape
The UFL plays outdoor football with NFL-adjacent rules and familiar team structures. The AFL plays indoor on a 50-yard field with 8-player squads and arena-style rules. Together they cover the entire spring and summer.
Pick'em: Weekly Predictions Across Both Leagues
Curate weekly Pick'em games from both the AFL and UFL. Members rank picks by confidence across both leagues. Knowledge of one league doesn't guarantee success in the other — the format differences create genuine analytical challenges.
Survivor: Eliminate Across Leagues
Run a combined AFL/UFL Survivor pool where members pick from either league each week. The wider team pool gives more options, and cross-league knowledge becomes a real edge.
Bridge to NFL Season
Spring football pools keep your club active and members engaged. When the NFL preseason starts in August, your group transitions seamlessly from spring contests to NFL pools without rebuilding from scratch.
Start your spring football pool free on ValueBet.
Create your free club →FAQ
When does spring football start?
The UFL typically starts in March, and the AFL season runs from spring through summer. Check each league for exact 2026 dates.
Can I run spring and NFL football in the same club?
Yes — your club runs year-round. Transition from spring leagues to NFL seamlessly.
Do spring football pools work for small groups?
Yes — even 4–5 members creates meaningful competition with confidence-based Pick'em.
Is it worth running pools for niche leagues?
Absolutely — niche leagues reward genuine knowledge. Members who research spring football have real edges over casual pickers.