The rise and sudden collapse of San Antonio's professional football era
In short: San Antonio was once a hotbed for pro football, but the Brahmas were destined to be a brief chapter. From a high-profile launch backed by Dwayne Johnson to a shocking closure in just two years, their story reveals the volatile mechanics of sports ownership and stadium logistics.
The San Antonio Brahmas entered the XFL in 2023 as part of a major league reboot. The team was owned by Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, with branding heavily influenced by Dwayne Johnson’s personal mascot—the American Brahman, a hybrid cattle species. Despite the hype, the inaugural season was a struggle; the Brahmas finished with a 3–7 record in their first year of play. The team's identity was heavily rooted in Hispanic culture and Spanish language to engage its fan base. They were the first professional football franchise in the city since the 2019 San Antonio Commanders. The Brahmas also joined other local sports entities like the Spurs and San Antonio FC.
The team's existence was defined by instability and shifting leadership. After Hines Ward resigned following the 2023 season, Wade Phillips took over as head coach. However, his tenure was marred by health issues and internal power struggles that led to a leadership vacuum. By early 2025, organizational chaos saw multiple coaching changes in just weeks, including the resignation of offensive coordinator A. J. Smith. The organization faced significant turmoil during the 2025 season when a medication error caused Phillips to take a leave of absence. This forced Payton Pardee into the head coaching role on April 16. Meanwhile, the league had recently finalized its merger with the USFL.
The final blow came on October 3, when the UFL announced the Brahmas' closure—a move that shocked the market because San Antonio had not been previously listed for relocation. New owner Mike Repole cited a fundamental mismatch between his vision and the Alamodome’s scale, claiming the stadium felt 'wrong' even with upper decks closed. While the Brahmas were dissolved, a third-tier team, the San Antonio Toros, was announced to fill the void. The sudden dissolution was unexpected because the UFL had already signed a contract for the Alamodome to host games in 2026. Furthermore, all players under contract were transferred to the Orlando Storm following the closure. This move left the city without its primary professional football presence until the Toros' arrival.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: San Antonio Brahmas
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