The Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) announced that the Oregon Steel will cease team operations and will not compete in the 2027 UFA season. This decision followed the 2026 UFA Owners Meeting, ending the Steel’s participation after three seasons under the ownership of Darci Fredricks and Bill Freeman.
Fredricks and Freeman became owners of the Portland franchise in April 2024, rebranding it as the Oregon Steel before the 2025 season to honor the native steelhead trout and represent fans statewide. Under their leadership, the team compiled a 6-30 record over three seasons. In 2025, the Steel set a franchise record for wins in a single season and achieved the first winning streak in team history.
Besides managing the Steel, Fredricks and Freeman founded the Oregon Soar of the Western Ultimate League (WUL) and launched the Oregon Ultimate Alliance to support the teams and foster youth and community ultimate frisbee programs throughout Oregon. The Oregon Soar will continue to compete in the WUL despite the Steel’s closure.
UFA CEO and Commissioner Tim DeByl acknowledged Fredricks and Freeman’s contributions: “They brought energy and vision to pro ultimate in Oregon. They built the Steel and the Soar with a commitment to the local ultimate community, and we are grateful for everything they have invested in our league. We wish them the very best as they continue with the Soar.”
Following the Steel’s departure, the San Diego Growlers and Vegas Bighorns will move from the South Division back into the West Division for the 2027 season, with no other divisional changes planned.
CSB Take
The Oregon Steel’s cessation marks the end of a significant chapter in Oregon’s professional ultimate frisbee scene. The ownership team of Darci Fredricks and Bill Freeman fostered both competitive milestones and community engagement through the Steel, Oregon Soar, and related youth programs. While the Steel will not return in 2027, the ongoing presence of the Oregon Soar ensures that ultimate frisbee remains vibrant in the state. The divisional realignments resulting from the Steel’s exit will impact league dynamics heading into the next season.
Source: Original report
More coverage: San Diego Growlers.
