The Continental — Week of June 29, 2026

The People's League · Insider Edition

THE CONTINENTAL

Weekly Briefing · Week of June 29 – July 5, 2026 · Volume 1, Issue 7

League Office · Leadership Transition

Commissioner Mike Kelly Retires

Manny Matsakis takes over as CEO of the Continental Football League

From the CEO

The Continental Football League today announced that Mike Kelly has officially retired as Commissioner after setting the foundation for the modern CoFL. Kelly's steady hand, deep football pedigree, and belief in a genuine People's League made this inaugural season possible. On behalf of every club, coach, player, sponsor, and fan — thank you, Mike.

Effective immediately, Manny Matsakis assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Continental Football League. Matsakis, the Founder of the league, will build on the momentum of the 2026 launch and work directly with the current ownership groups to shape the next iteration of the CoFL.

"We have been blessed to have had Mike along for this bumpy ride in establishing a league that has such historical roots as a premier professional minor league. We have learned so much along the way and I look forward to lifting the veil on the next iteration of the Continental Football League as we head into 2027."

— Manny Matsakis, CEO, Continental Football League

More to come next week. Expect major announcements as Manny takes over the reins, meets with ownership groups league-wide, and outlines the strategic path into the 2027 season. If you're a sponsor, prospective owner, or market champion — this is the moment to lean in.

Perfect Regular Season

San Antonio Toros

5–0 · 2026 CoFL Champions on the Strength of an Undefeated Regular Season

Congratulations to the San Antonio Toros, the 2026 CoFL Champions on the strength of an undefeated regular season. San Antonio closed the year 5–0 with a 46–24 road win over the Tall City Black Gold in Midland on Sunday — the final game of the Toros' 2026 slate, and a fitting close to a dominant campaign.

A Note on the Title

Sunday's Toros–Black Gold matchup was not a championship game — it was the Toros' regular-season finale. The Toros are recognized as 2026 CoFL Champions on the strength of their perfect 5–0 regular season, as no championship game was played this year. The Continental Cup — the CoFL's true championship game — will be played after the 2027 season and will crown a unified league champion for the first time since 1969.

It was a game with real teeth. Through the second and third quarters, the surging Black Gold caught the Toros by surprise, stringing together three consecutive scoring drives while their defense shut down the league's most vaunted offense. Head coach Rodney Blackshear's squad served notice that Southern Division football is only getting better. San Antonio ultimately regained control and finished the job — but the Black Gold's showing was the most complete performance any team put together against the Toros all season.

The season also produced a milestone: Toros head coach Stan Bedwell notched his 100th career coaching win. San Antonio's defense allowed just 30 points across the entire five-game season (San Antonio Snap Count).

Watch the Replay

Toros vs. Black Gold — the Toros' 2026 season finale, in full.

youtube.com/watch?v=JzgY6Yp2h4Y

The league office has confirmed that the Toros' previously scheduled game against the Texas Herd this weekend has been canceled. San Antonio will now shift focus to launching its new team training facility and preparing for a powerful 2027 season. Congratulations again, Toros — a fantastic 2026 campaign.

Week 5 Recap · June 27–28

Texas Syndicate 38, Texas Herd 6

The weekend kicked off Saturday, June 27, in Pflugerville, Texas, where the Texas Syndicate handled the visiting Texas Herd in convincing fashion, 38–6. Head coach James Champagne's club looked sharp on both sides of the ball and heads into Independence Day playing its best football of the season.

San Antonio Toros 46, Tall City Black Gold 24 — Toros' Season Finale

At Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, the Toros completed a perfect 5–0 regular season in their 2026 finale. Full narrative and replay above.

Matchup

Result

Herd at Syndicate · Pflugerville, TX

SYN 38, HRD 6

Toros at Black Gold · Astound Broadband, Midland

SAT 46, TCB 24

Saturday · July 4 · 7 PM CST · UFM YouTube

Independence Day Showdown

Tall City Black Gold at Texas Syndicate · Season Finale

The CoFL closes its 2026 season with a marquee Independence Day matchup. On the 4th of July at 7 PM CST, the Texas Syndicate host the Tall City Black Gold in Pflugerville — a rematch of the "Slugfest in Midland," where the Syndicate stole a 23–20 win on the historic first-ever Los Dos punter conversion by Owen Meister.

Both clubs have dramatically improved since that first meeting. The Black Gold pushed the eventual champions to their toughest test of the season last Sunday. The Syndicate are riding a 38-point statement win. This should be a great one.

Free Admission — Salute to Service

Admission to Saturday's game is FREE as the Syndicate and the CoFL salute Veterans, Active Service Members, and First Responders. Bring your family. Bring the flag. Come be part of it.

Event details: Instagram · Texas Syndicate

CEO in Attendance

CoFL Founder and CEO Manny Matsakis will be at Saturday's game in Pflugerville.

Stay tuned to The Continental in the weeks ahead for big news on the state of the league and full transparency on the road to 2027 — unified and ready to go.

When

Matchup

Where

Sat 7/4 · 7 PM CST

Tall City Black Gold at Texas Syndicate

Pflugerville, TX

Watch live: youtube.com/@UnitedFootballMedia

Did You Know

Toros head coach Stan Bedwell reached 100 career coaching wins on championship night. The Toros' defense finished the season allowing just 30 total points across five games — a defensive standard the modern CoFL is unlikely to see matched anytime soon.

Build the League · Own a Club · 2027

The next iteration of the CoFL starts now.

Under new CEO leadership, the CoFL is actively engaging prospective ownership groups, investors, and market champions in cities across the country. If you've ever wanted to bring professional football home — the door is wide open.

Explore Ownership →

Inquiries welcomed at coflfootball.com/ownership.

Next Up in The Continental

Next week's issue closes the inaugural 2026 CoFL season: Independence Day recap and a full 2026 season review. Expect meaningful updates and transparency in the weeks ahead as the league sets its course toward 2027 — unified and ready to go.

Thank you, Mike. Congratulations, Toros. Happy Independence Day — and see you on the broadcast.

— The CoFL League Office

Watch live: youtube.com/@UnitedFootballMedia · Power Rankings: @LiamCoFL · Media inquiries: [email protected]