How the United Football League’s Team Realignments Could Create New Opportunities for Small Businesses Looking to Secure Government Contracts

How the United Football League’s Team Realignments Could Create New Opportunities for Small Businesses Looking to Secure Government Contracts

The recent realignment of United Football League (UFL) teams, particularly the relocation and rebranding of the Arlington Renegades to the Dallas Renegades playing at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, signals more than just a shift in sports venues—it potentially opens new doors for small businesses seeking to engage with federal, state, and local government contracts. Here’s why small businesses should pay attention and how to position themselves to capitalize on these evolving opportunities.

1. Understanding the Context: UFL Realignment and Economic Impact

The UFL’s decision to move a team from Arlington—a city with a specific local government and procurement ecosystem—to Frisco, located within the greater Dallas metropolitan area, creates shifts in the economic and logistical landscape around the team’s operations. Large-scale sports organizations typically contract a wide range of services, from security and facility management to merchandise, concessions, technology support, and marketing services.

For small businesses, these shifts mean new potential clients and contracting opportunities with the venue management, the teams themselves, and the supporting city governments.

2. How Small Businesses Can Leverage These Changes

a. Target Local Government Contracts Linked to Venue Operations

Frisco’s city government and municipal agencies will likely increase procurement activities to support stadium operations and associated economic development initiatives. Small businesses providing services like event management, security, catering, cleaning, IT support, and transportation could find new RFPs emerging as the city adjusts its contracts.

Tip: Monitor and register on SAM.gov, the primary portal for federal contracting, as well as Frisco’s local procurement websites. Staying current with these platforms can alert you when government agencies or municipal entities release opportunities tied to stadium activities or related economic projects.

b. Align with GSA Schedule Vendors Who Support Sports and Event Venues

National programs like GSA Schedules provide pre-negotiated contracts for a vast array of products and services. Small businesses can explore subcontracting or teaming arrangements with prime contractors already on GSA Schedules that provide goods or services to sports venues and leagues.

This is a streamlined path to securing government business without facing the full burden of prime contracting on your own. Focus on areas such as security technology, facility management, or hospitality services that sports organizations frequently require.

c. Watch for Contract Opportunities from Private-Public Partnerships

Stadiums and sports teams often collaborate with local governments on initiatives that require vendors to meet specific compliance and reporting standards. Small businesses involved in sustainability, accessibility, or technological upgrades could benefit from these partnerships.

Understanding federal and state compliance requirements—such as the Buy American Act, Small Business Set-Aside programs, and SBA certifications—can help position your business as a preferred supplier when public-private deals are negotiated.

3. Best Practices for Small Businesses Positioning for Federal and Local Sports-Related Contracts

• Get Registered and Certified: Ensure your business is registered with SAM.gov and explore SBA certifications (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned) to improve eligibility for set-aside contracts.

• Network with Industry and Government Stakeholders: Attend events related to sports facility management, municipal contracting, and economic development. Building relationships can lead to subcontracting and teaming opportunities.

• Stay Informed on Procurement Trends: Leverage resources like the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and local procurement sites to identify contracts related to event venues, sports teams, or related infrastructure improvements.

• Emphasize Compliance and Quality: Government agencies and large organizations demand high standards. Focus on delivering compliant, high-quality services that meet safety and operational standards.

Conclusion

While the UFL team shuffle may seem purely sports news, it carries ripple effects that small businesses can channel into government contracting opportunities. By understanding local government procurement trends, aligning with existing government contracting vehicles like GSA Schedules, and focusing on compliance and networking, small businesses can position themselves to benefit from the economic activity surrounding the relocated Dallas Renegades and other UFL teams.

For small and mid-sized businesses eager to enter or expand within the federal marketplace, staying alert to such economic shifts—even in unexpected sectors like sports—is a smart strategy to uncover new government contracting prospects.

GovScout helps small businesses break into federal contracting. We simplify SAM.gov, surface winnable contracts, and give you the insights to grow in the public sector. Learn more at govscout.io.