Tom Brady, legendary former NFL quarterback and current minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, is reportedly exploring a bold initiative to bring professional football back to the city of Oakland. After the city lost its NFL team to Las Vegas in 2020, Oakland has remained without a major football franchise—until now. Brady’s potential move involves establishing a United Football League (UFL) team that could revive the historic “Oakland Invaders” brand, signaling a renewed push to restore professional football in a city known for its passionate sports culture.
The development gained traction earlier this month when the UFL filed a trademark application for the name “Oakland Invaders” on May 6, 2025. The move, which was confirmed through the United States Patent and Trademark Office, suggests that league executives are seriously considering Oakland as a location for future expansion. The name “Oakland Invaders” has historical significance, tracing back to the original USFL franchise that operated in the 1980s. By reviving the name, the UFL appears to be tapping into nostalgia while reigniting a connection with the city’s football past.
Brady’s reported involvement adds star power and credibility to the potential franchise. Since retiring from professional football in 2023, Brady has remained active in the sport through media ventures and his ownership stake in the Raiders. His interest in the UFL represents a new chapter in his post-playing career and signals a deeper commitment to the business side of professional football. Sources close to the UFL and Brady suggest that he is actively engaging in discussions with league leadership and investors to explore feasibility, stadium logistics, and fan outreach initiatives in Oakland.
Oakland has long been a proud football city. The departure of the Raiders to Las Vegas left a gaping void, not just in terms of sports entertainment, but in community identity and local economic activity. Many residents and fans have expressed discontent with how the move unfolded and have been eager for a new team to rally behind. The idea of a UFL team, especially one backed by a figure as respected as Tom Brady, is already generating enthusiasm among longtime fans who still sport silver and black.
The UFL itself is in expansion mode. Created from the 2024 merger between the XFL and USFL, the league is looking to build long-term sustainability by entering major media markets and leveraging recognizable football brands. Besides the “Oakland Invaders,” the UFL has also filed trademarks for teams such as the “Tampa Bay Bandits,” suggesting a broader strategy to re-engage cities that once hosted professional football franchises. These trademark filings are not mere placeholders—they are early indicators of a potential wave of UFL team rollouts, especially in markets underserved by the NFL.
While the idea of football returning to Oakland is being met with optimism, several hurdles remain. Chief among them is stadium availability. Since the Raiders’ exit, the Oakland Coliseum has seen decreased usage and is in need of significant upgrades to meet the standards of a professional football league. According to insiders, any UFL plans would likely involve either substantial renovation of the existing facility or a temporary home until a long-term venue solution is secured.
There is also the challenge of gaining sustained fan support in a league that is still establishing its national reputation. While the UFL has shown promise with stable ownership and broadcast agreements, it still faces the uphill battle of maintaining viewership and in-stadium attendance over time. Brady’s name, however, could be a game-changer in that regard. His association with the UFL might boost sponsorships, media attention, and investor confidence—critical elements for success in a secondary professional football league.
As of May 25, 2025, no formal announcement has been made, and the UFL has not released a timeline for when new teams would officially be introduced. However, the combination of trademark activity, Oakland’s yearning for football, and Tom Brady’s high-profile interest makes this an initiative worth watching closely. If the plans come to fruition, Oakland could once again have a professional football team to call its own—one that carries the legacy of its past while embracing the future of the sport.
