April 25, 2024
By Callum Ng
It’s spring everywhere and that means another ultimate frisbee season has arrived.
Here are some key storylines to follow as the UFA season begins on Friday!
Boston lands Babbitt, beefs up supporting cast
The biggest free agent story of the preseason was 2023 MVP, Jeff Babbitt, rejecting the New York Empire’s offers after extensive negotiations. Days later Babbitt agreed to terms with Boston and the Glory proceeded to announce a slew of signings over the subsequent weeks. Ben Katz, who won three titles with the Empire and like Babbitt also went to UMASS, will dress for the Glory. Chris Bartoli and Orion Cable are both back for a fourth year. Tyler Chan will get a chance to build on 19 scores and seven blocks in his first nine league games last season. Tannor Johnson-Go returns after missing a season. In the 2022 campaign Johnson-Go had 14 goals and 13 assists in just four games, so he’ll be a nice boost to Boston’s offense. Boston has the Montreal Royal in town for their home opener on Friday at 7:00 PM/ET.
Super Series debuts on YouTube
This season you can stream eight incredible matchups for free on the UFA YouTube channel. The first is live from Utah as the Salt Lake Shred host the DC Breeze at 9:00 PM/ET. If the Shred, runners-up in 2023, can make it all the way to Championship Weekend, they’ll have a chance to raise the UFA trophy in front of their famously loud fans. The Super Series schedule also includes a 2023 Championship rematch between the Shred and New York Empire in late June. All regular season and playoff games can still be streamed at watchUFA.tv.
Empire aim to make history
The New York Empire have not lost a game since September 11, 2021 when the Carolina Flyers beat them 19-16. After collecting 30 wins over back-to-back championship seasons, the dominant Empire can earn a UFA record 31st straight victory with Montreal visiting New Rochelle on Saturday at 5:00 PM/ET. It’ll also be a chance to see how New York adjusts minus Babbitt and the sitting out Ryan Osgar. Royal 2023 leading scorer Kevin Quinlan and his crew will try to avoid becoming the sacrificial lamb in New York one night after meeting Babbitt and Boston.
West Coast rivals resume feud
The Los Angeles Aviators and Oakland Spiders had a home-and-home to close the 2023 regular season and it was wild. In the penultimate week, the Spiders outscored LA 5-1 in the fourth quarter and then won dramatically in overtime. Fast forward to Week 12 and LA grabbed their own one-goal victory to steal the final west playoff spot with some help. Odds are Oakland was choked as they watched the Aviators go on a run to the West Division Championship Game. The 2024 season begins with the Aviators traveling to Oakland on Saturday at 3:00 PM/ET. Can’t wait to see how the Spiders respond to their year end disappointment.
Atlanta-Carolina prepare for first of four meetings this season
The Atlanta Hustle and Carolina Flyers meet up for the first "Game Of The Week" of 2024 on Saturday at 6:00 PM/ET. The Hustle owned their South Division counterparts with a 3-1 record in 2023. Carolina won the division in 2021 and 2022 so they’ll be hungry to get back to that form following a first-round playoff exit last year. You can catch every UFA game at watchUFA.tv.
