How to watch UFL Championship: Michigan Panthers vs DC Defenders time, channel, live streams

USFL Conference Championship: Michigan Panthers v Birmingham Stallions
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - JUNE 08: Toa Taua #35 of the Michigan Panthers is tripped up by Marvin Wilson #58 of the Birmingham Stallions during the third quarter at Protective Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Stew Milne/UFL/Getty Images)Getty Images

The United Football League will find its 2025 champion on Saturday night, with the league’s championship game set between the DC Defenders and Michigan Panthers. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) with TV coverage on ABC and streaming on-demand.

Both the Defenders and Panthers went 6-4 in the regular season to reach the playoffs, then advanced to the UFL championship game after big wins in last week’s conference finals. The Panthers toppled the Birmingham Stallions (44-29) to reach the championship game, while the Defenders defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks (36-18). These teams met head-to-head in Week 6 of the regular season, when quarterback Bryce Perkins accounted for three total touchdowns (one rush) in a 38-14 win by the Panthers.

Michigan Panthers vs. DC Defenders

2025 UFL Championship Game at a glance

Perkins was named the UFL’s Most Valuable Player earlier in the week after leading the league in efficiency and ranking among the top five in passing yards (1,342) and passing touchdowns (9). Perkins also averaged 5.2 yards per carry and accounted for five rushing touchdowns in the regular season. Both sides will play in the first UFL championship game since the league started in the 2024 season.

UFL Championship Game: Live Streaming Options

  • FuboTV (free trial) - excellent viewer experience with a huge library of live sports; length of the free trial varies; the monthly rate after trial starts at $59.99.
  • SlingTV (low intro rate) - half-price first month is perfect for those in the market for 1+ month of TV;.monthly plans start at $45.99 after the introductory offer.
  • DirecTV (free trial) - has the longest free trial in streaming with five days to try before you buy; first month after the free trial costs as low as $59.99.

The Defenders and Panthers are set for an 8 p.m. ET start on ABC. Live streams are available from FuboTV (free trial), DirecTV (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate).

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