San Angelo Sidewinders Announced as New Professional Football Team: A Game-Changer for West Texas Football Fans

CoFL Staff
Dec 4, 2025
5 min read

The Continental Football League Brings Professional Outdoor Football Back to the Concho Valley in 2026

San Angelo, Texas football fans have waited years for a professional team to call their own—and now the wait is finally over. The San Angelo Sidewinders, the newest franchise in the Continental Football League (CoFL), will officially take the field in May 2026 as part of an all-Texas Southern Division.

This announcement isn’t just another sports headline. It marks the revival of professional outdoor football in San Angelo, the rise of a new sports entertainment brand in West Texas, and a bold new era for football in the Lone Star State.

If you love San Angelo football, Texas football culture, or emerging professional football leagues, this is a story worth paying attention to.

Why San Angelo Is Perfect for a Professional Football Team

Football is part of the DNA of the Concho Valley

When people think of Texas football, they usually picture Austin, Dallas, or Houston. But longtime Texans know the truth—some of the most passionate football communities in the state live in West Texas.

San Angelo embodies this tradition:

High school football thrives with Central and Lake View
Angelo State University draws thousands every Saturday
Youth football programs are some of the strongest in the region
Local memories of past semi-pro teams remain powerful
Families here spend their weekends around the sport

Football isn’t just a hobby in San Angelo. It’s a way of life.

That’s why the launch of the San Angelo Sidewinders has electrified the region. Fans who still remember old semi-pro teams filling the stands now have something even bigger to look forward to: a true professional outdoor football franchise with standards, structure, stability, and community involvement.

Meet the San Angelo Sidewinders: A Name That Belongs to West Texas

A local identity for a local fanbase

The name Sidewinders is more than just a new logo coming your way. It speaks directly to the land and attitude of San Angelo.

Sidewinders are:

Indigenous to West Texas
Fast, explosive movers
Strategically unpredictable
Survivors in harsh environments

It’s the perfect symbol for a rugged, resilient city built around hard work, pride, and tradition. For Texas football fans searching for authenticity, the Sidewinders identity hits home immediately.

The Story Behind the Sidewinders: From Arena Football to a Bigger Vision

How a simple idea—and a lucky break—brought professional football to San Angelo

The Sidewinders’ Managing Partner, Keith Russ, originally explored bringing an arena football team to San Angelo. He met with local business owners, toured venues, and gauged community interest.

Everything seemed promising…until the arena’s construction schedule made it impossible.

But the desire for San Angelo football never faded. Locals still talked about arena games and semi-pro games from decades past. Photos hung on walls. Fans told stories. The hunger was real.

Then Russ saw a post about the Continental Football League launching its 2026 season.

He called the league the next morning.

At first, all four Southern Division slots were full. But when a previous group could not meet the league’s financial criteria, a rare opportunity emerged—and Russ was ready.

This moment is now part of football history in San Angelo.

Why the Continental Football League (CoFL) Stands Out

A regional, professional league built for long-term success in Texas

The CoFL is not another unstable spring league. It’s built on a modern, community-centered model designed to avoid the financial pitfalls that killed other leagues.

Here’s what makes it different:

1. Regional Divisions Reduce Travel & Build Rivalries

San Angelo joins an all-Texas group:

Texas Syndicate (Central Texas)
San Antonio Toros
Tall City Black Gold (Midland)
San Angelo Sidewinders

Short travel distances create high-energy games and reduce expenses.

2. Professional Standards

This league is not semi-pro. Every team must meet strict requirements for:

Player payroll
Equipment
Stadium standards
Operational budgets
Media and branding
Staff qualifications

3. Community Ownership

Fans can invest through equity crowdfunding, giving San Angelo residents a chance to own part of their team.

4. Cooperative Ownership Culture

Teams help each other succeed.This is rare in professional football—and a big reason for optimism.

5. AA-Level Player Pipeline

The league attracts players who are:

Top JUCO athletes
NCAA football players looking for opportunity
18 year old players wanting to showcase their talents
High-level free agents
Indoor players transitioning outdoors

In short: REAL talent.

This is exactly the type of professional football Texas fans have been asking for.

San Angelo Sidewinders Will Be a Community-First Football Franchise

Family-friendly, affordable, and built for fans of all ages

The Sidewinders aren’t just building a football team—they’re building a year-round community presence.

Their plan includes:

Players visiting schools
Partnerships with local youth football programs
Appearances at San Angelo events
Community service and outreach
A game-day experience designed for families
Halftime shows, music, and fan interaction
Affordable tickets for everyone
Opportunities for fans to own a portion of the team

Russ explains it perfectly:

“We want moms, kids, and people who don’t even follow football to come out and say they had an amazing experience.”

This positions the Sidewinders as one of the most exciting new San Angelo entertainment options for 2026.

Texas Football Rivalries Are About to Get Even Better

An all-Texas division means energy, emotion, and travel opportunities

Because the CoFL Southern Division keeps all four teams inside Texas, fans can easily travel to away games.

That means:

Packed stadiums
Loud rivalries
Road-trip football weekends
New traditions for fans and families

Imagine a San Angelo fan caravan rolling into Midland. Imagine San Antonio fans invading Foster Field for a Saturday night showdown. Imagine Austin and San Angelo battling for the “Continental Cup” of West Texas.

This is how new football legacies begin.

Sidewinders Head Coach Coming Soon

Announcement expected before Christmas

The Sidewinders have narrowed their head coaching search to three finalists, each with collegiate or professional experience. An official announcement is expected before Christmas, creating a major buzz for San Angelo sports fans heading into 2026.

On roster construction, the Sidewinders are well ahead of schedule. Russ says they have already identified 30+ high-level players likely to join the inaugural squad.

This means San Angelo will enter its first season with stability—and talent.

Why Professional Football in San Angelo Matters

Economic impact, community engagement, and Texas football culture

The arrival of the Sidewinders will positively influence the region in several ways:

1. Increased Local Spending

Game days bring fans to:

Restaurants
Bars
Hotels
Local shops

2. New Entertainment Option

Families and sports fans get a professional-level event without leaving town.

3. Increased Youth Football Participation

Kids learn directly from real pro athletes and coaches.

4. Tourism Growth

Rival fans from Austin, San Antonio, and Midland will visit San Angelo multiple times each season.

5. City Branding & Identity

San Angelo joins a select list of Texas cities with professional sports teams.

The Sidewinders strengthen the city’s reputation as a true football community.

San Angelo Football Fans: The Strike Is Coming

A new era of Texas football begins in 2026

Whether you're a long-time resident, a diehard football fan, a former high school athlete, or a family looking for fun weekend entertainment, the San Angelo Sidewinders are about to become a central part of the community.

This team is built with:

Local identity
Professional standards
Texas football passion
A community-first vision
A league designed for longevity

The Sidewinder snake doesn’t move straight—it moves sideways, unpredictable and fast. When it strikes, it strikes with purpose.

San Angelo is ready.

Texas is watching.The CoFL South is officially complete.

And the Sidewinders are coming to make noise.