The ApexPro Football League (APFL), a new professional American football league, announced that its inaugural season will kick off in spring 2027, with Charleston named as one of the league’s founding cities.
The league said it aims to reimagine professional football in the United States by delivering exciting competition, a diverse mix of teams and innovative approaches to the game.
The APFL will launch with four teams, focusing primarily on non-NFL markets to expand professional football into new cities and reach new fan bases. In addition to Charleston, the inaugural season will feature teams based in New York, Louisiana and Virginia. The league said the Charleston team will play its home games at Johnson Hagood Stadium on The Citadel campus. On Feb. 4, the APFL announced the team will be called the South Carolina Seawolves.
“We’re thrilled to bring this vision to life,” said APFL Commissioner Chad Hitchcock. “Our mission is to deliver a fan-first experience while fostering talent and creating a premier stage for football excellence.”
The league plans to differentiate itself through dynamic rule changes, cutting-edge technology integration and an emphasis on fan engagement both in stadiums and online. Proposed rule innovations include a faster 30-second play clock, a streamlined overtime format and no penalties for player celebrations.
The APFL said it will feature a mix of weekday and weekend games during the spring season. Broadcast and streaming partners have not yet been announced.
More information and updates are available on the league’s website.