Frequently Asked Questions

The Developmental Football Association (DFA) is a professionally operated adult football league launching in Spring 2026, created for players who still have the drive to compete, improve, and grow.
The league delivers structure, coaching, exposure, and opportunity through a consistent, high-quality game-day experience.

Northwest Nightwolves – Sherburne, Isanti & Wright Counties

Minneapolis Warhawks – Hennepin & Anoka Counties

Twin Cities Tundra – Carver, Dakota & Scott Counties

East Side Engine – Ramsey, Washington & Chisago Counties

To begin your journey:

Complete the Pre-Registration Form at dfa.football/player-pre-registration.

Attend an official DFA Combine to get evaluated.

Enter the DFA Draft and/or Free Agency Pool.

Get signed, drafted, or assigned to a team.

The DFA is built for motivated athletes, including:

- Aspiring professionals seeking exposure and advancement

- College-age players staying game-ready during offseasons

- Former players who want to continue competing at a high level

- Community-driven leaders who want to mentor others through the game

Player dues for the 2026 DFA season are $250 when paid in full. Players who prefer a payment option may enroll in a 3-payment plan of $100 per payment, totaling $300.

Player dues help cover essential league and team operating costs, including:

- Two custom game uniforms

- Referee fees and stadium rental

- League software, administration, and operations

- Field rental and insurance

- Winter practice facility access

The official DFA Combine registration fee is $39. This amount can be applied to your 2026 player's fee.
This includes your full evaluation, testing, and eligibility for the DFA Draft and/or Free Agency.

The Developmental Football Association (DFA) follows a structured, year-long calendar:

December – February: Official DFA Combines

Mid-March: DFA Draft and Free Agency

March: Team practices and preseason preparation begin

April: Teams begin playing pre-season games vs. other teams in semi-pro and arena football.

May – July: Regular Season

August 1: DFA Championship Game (top two teams)

November: Fall Showcase Participation

January 2027: National Bowl Game Opportunities.

All Developmental Football Association (DFA) games are played at Shakopee High School Football Stadium. The season begins Saturday, May 16, with games played every Saturday through August 1. Each team plays 9 regular-season games, with the top two teams advancing to the DFA Championship on August 1. There are no games scheduled on Memorial Day weekend or Independence Day weekend. Game dates and kickoff times vary by week.

Players are responsible for providing their own helmet, shoulder pads, cleats, and mouthguard.
All players are required to wear a traditional black glossy helmet with a black facemask to maintain a professional and uniform appearance across the league.

Each team practices once per week, beginning in March 2026, and participates in an additional online film session each week.

Practice times and locations are set by each team’s Head Coach and General Manager.

The DFA is built on brotherhood, discipline, and purpose.

Players are expected to represent their teams, families, and communities with integrity.

This league is about more than football — it’s about personal growth, professionalism, and opportunity.

Every DFA player gains access to a structured, professional-level experience that includes:

- Two custom uniforms by Prodigy X Sports

- One in-person team practice each week

- One online film session each week

- Full game film and highlights

- Affiliate commission opportunities

- Professional game-day production and coverage

- Player Portal access with resources for entrepreneurship, NIL, and leadership

- Strength, conditioning, and nutrition guidance
- 15 Game Tickets to Resell or Give Away

Trade deadline will be Friday May 1st, 2 weeks before the first regular season game.

Each of the four DFA teams for the 2026 season may sign up to 15 players of their choosing before the draft.
These players will forgo the 2026 DFA Draft and are considered official pre-draft signings.

All remaining eligible players will enter the DFA Draft Pool, which will take place in Mid March 2026 (TBD).

Players not selected in the draft may still be added later through Free Agency or assigned via the DFA Draft Lottery.

Yes. The DFA offers an Affiliate and Commission Program that allows players, coaches, and fans to earn income while promoting the league.

- 10% on merchandise sales

- 20% on ticket and sponsorship referrals

Players also receive 15 Special Player Passes to give away or sell for $20 each — keeping 100% of profits ($300 total potential).

- Professionally structured league — not dependent on individual team owners

- Consistent, centralized venues with music, announcers, and fans

- Pro-level uniforms and branding by Prodigy X Sports

- Organized code of conduct and accountability system

- Real exposure opportunities through league partnerships

- Full media coverage, highlights, and film access