History of San Antonio Brahmas in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 13, 2025

The San Antonio Brahmas are a professional American football team based in San Antonio, Texas, competing in the UFL's XFL Conference. Owned by Dwayne Johnson's Alpha Acquico and Fox Corporation, they play home games at the Alamodome. The Brahmas have a regular season record of 11-11.

2001: Original XFL Season

In 2001, the XFL played its initial season, marking the league's first attempt at professional football before its later reboot.

2019: Commanders' Potential

In 2019, Daryl Johnston, UFL's vice president of football operations, recognized the potential of the San Antonio market while on the Commanders' staff, noting its ability to rival the St. Louis Battlehawks if well-managed.

2019: San Antonio Commanders' Season

In 2019, the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football averaged over 28,000 fans per game, marking the last time a professional football team was in San Antonio before the Brahmas.

2020: Initial XFL Season

In 2020, the XFL played its first season but it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: XFL Season Suspension

In 2020, the XFL's first season was suspended after five games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this suspension and the league's subsequent bankruptcy, discussions had begun with San Antonio to potentially relocate one of its eight teams to the city.

2021: XFL Hiatus

In 2021, the XFL did not hold a season after its ownership changed.

March 2022: Rumors of San Antonio XFL Team Emerge

In March 2022, rumors surfaced about a potential San Antonio XFL team after the league hired Reggie Barlow, who was later assigned to the DC Defenders.

July 2022: San Antonio Announced as New XFL City

In July 2022, it was announced that San Antonio would be one of the three new cities joining the XFL, replacing the LA Wildcats.

October 31, 2022: San Antonio Brahmas Name and Logo Reveal

On October 31, 2022, the San Antonio XFL team name was revealed as the Brahmas, along with their logo. The name 'Brahma' is derived from Hindu origins and Dwayne Johnson's personal mascot, the American Brahman cattle.

February 18, 2023: Inaugural XFL Season Begins

On February 18, 2023, the 2023 XFL season commenced, featuring 40 regular season games. The San Antonio Brahmas participated in their inaugural season.

February 22, 2023: Firing of Team Executive Mike Sheehan

On February 22, 2023, the XFL's director of communications, Jeff Altstadter, announced the firing of San Antonio Brahmas team executive Mike Sheehan.

September 2023: Advanced Merger Talks Reported

In September 2023, Axios reported that the XFL and USFL were in advanced discussions to merge before the start of their 2024 seasons.

September 28, 2023: XFL and USFL Announce Intent to Merge

On September 28, 2023, the XFL and USFL officially announced their intention to merge, with further details to be released later. The merger was subject to regulatory approval.

October 2023: Trademark Application for "United Football League"

In October 2023, the XFL filed a trademark application for the name "United Football League", indicating the future direction of the merged entity.

November 30, 2023: Merger Receives Regulatory Approval

On November 30, 2023, Dany Garcia announced that the XFL and USFL merger had received regulatory approval, with plans finalized for a combined season to begin on March 30, 2024.

December 28, 2023: Hines Ward Resigns, Wade Phillips Replaces Him

On December 28, 2023, Hines Ward resigned from the Brahmas after a 3-7 season in 2023, due to a change in contract structure. Wade Phillips, previously the Houston Roughnecks Head Coach, replaced Ward, allowing the Roughnecks identity to be used for the former Houston Gamblers.