October 27, 2026

The UFA has announced that the Oregon Steel will cease team operations and will not compete in the 2027 UFA season. The decision was reached following the 2026 UFA Owners Meeting.

Darci Fredricks and Bill Freeman became owners of the Portland franchise in April 2024 and rebranded the team as the Oregon Steel ahead of the 2025 season. The name honors the native steelhead trout, and the “Oregon” moniker was chosen to represent fans and players across the entire state. 

Under Darci and Bill, the Steel went 6-30 across three seasons. In 2025, the team set a franchise record for wins in a season and recorded the first winning streak in franchise history. Alongside the Steel, Darci and Bill founded the Oregon Soar of the Western Ultimate League (WUL) and created the Oregon Ultimate Alliance (OUA) to support both teams, along with youth development and community programs across the state. The Soar will continue to compete in the WUL.

“Darci and Bill brought energy and vision to pro ultimate in Oregon,” said UFA CEO & Commissioner Tim DeByl. “They built the Steel and the Soar with a commitment to the local ultimate community, and we’re grateful for everything they’ve invested in our league. We wish them the very best as they continue with the Soar.”

“We are proud of bringing the UFA team back to the Portland area,” said Darci and Bill, “including rebranding to align with the women’s team, creating new vendor relationships, and giving the players the experience they deserve as outstanding athletes.”

With the Steel’s departure, the San Diego Growlers and Vegas Bighorns will move from the South Division back into the West Division for the 2027 season. There will be no other changes to the league’s divisional alignment. Read more notes from the 2026 UFA Owners Meeting.