A LEANER yet stronger field of 12 teams will vie in the United Football League’s 2016 season that kicks off with the UFL Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium on Feb. 6.
Unlike last year when the season started with the staging of the league competition, the UFL gets going with the group stage of the Cup. The draw is slated on Wednesday.
The league has compressed the field this season with second division teams merging with the top-flight squads for a 12-team cast, UFL general manager Rely San Agustin said.
Kaya will defend its UFL Cup against a slew of contenders including powerhouse Ceres-La Salle, 2014 champion Global, Loyola Meralco and Stallion, while Green Archers seek a first trophy after a strong finish last season.
Other clubs seeing action include second division winners JP Voltes and Laos and former Division II club Agila. Pachanga Diliman, runner-up in the Cup two seasons ago, has also signified its intention to join the season.