The four–team league franchises were based in Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, Louisiana, with each city hosting two teams.
Brien, of the Robert E. Lee's was announced as the Gulf League president; Richard Sheridan of the Acid Iron Earths, vice president; Charles Shaffer of Mobile, treasurer; and F. McKeough, of New Orleans, secretary.
[8] The Gulf League began play on June 20, 1886, with the season ending on Oct 31, 1886.
[9] In the final standings, the 1886 Gulf League champion was Acid Iron Earth.
[2] The Mobile Swamp Angels and New Orleans Pelicans teams began play as members of the 1887 Southern League.