The Louisville Kings defeated the DC Defenders 27-20 to win the United Bowl on Saturday night at Audi Field.
The expansion team finished its inaugural United Football League season with a championship. Louisville overcame an 0-3 start in the regular season to reach the title game. The Kings then beat the defending champions for the third time this year.
Ian Wheeler ran for a 40 yard go ahead touchdown and was named game MVP. The Kings held off a late push from the Defenders to secure the win in front of more than 19,000 fans.
First year head coach Chris Redman, a Louisville native and former NFL quarterback, guided the team through the playoffs and into the championship. The victory marks the first time a team has won the United Bowl in its first season in the league.
The game aired on ABC. Louisville now holds the top prize in spring professional football.