Indoor Football League

Indoor American football league founded in 2008

This article is about the league founded in 2008. For the first league with the name, see Indoor Football League (1999–2000).

Indoor Football LeagueUpcoming season or competition:
2025 Indoor Football League season

Sport| Indoor American football
Founded| July 22, 2008 (17 years ago) (2008-07-22)
First season| 2009
Commissioner| Todd Tryon
Claim to fame| America's longest continuously running indoor football league
No. of teams| 14
Country| United States
Most recent
champion(s)| Arizona Rattlers
(2nd title)
Most titles| Sioux Falls Storm
(7 titles)
Broadcaster(s)| CBS Sports Network
Streaming partner(s)| IFL Network
Official website| goifl.com

The Indoor Football League (IFL) is a professional indoor American football league in the United States. The league comprises 14 teams, divided equally between the Eastern Conference (EC) and Western Conference (WC). The IFL is the highest professional level of indoor football and the longest continuously running indoor football league in the United States. Each IFL season has a 19-week regular season which runs from the middle of March to the end of July, with each team playing 16 games and having three bye weeks. Following the conclusion of the regular season, four teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, a single-elimination tournament, which culminates in the IFL National Championship, played in late August between the winners of the EC and WC championship games.

The IFL was formed in 2008 when the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football agreed to merge following the conclusion of the 2008 National Indoor Bowl, which pinned the two league's champions against each other. The league has operated continuously under the same name and corporate structure longer than any other current indoor football league. Following the closure of the original Arena Football League in 2019, the IFL became the oldest active professional indoor football league in North America, and can trace its history to 2003.

The Sioux Falls Storm hold the most IFL championships with seven. The reigning league champions are the Arizona Rattlers.

IFL players earn US$250–500 (before taxes) per game played,[1][2] with a $25 bonus given to players on the winning team each week.[3] Additionally some teams provide housing for their players during the season.[4]

The IFL has a player personnel partnership with the United Football League (UFL), to function as their de facto minor league.[5]

## History

[edit]

Number of Teams Each Year  Season  | # Teams

|

2009 | 19
2010 | 25
2011 | 22
2012 | 16
2013 | 9
2014
2015 | 10
2016
2017
2018 | 6
2019 | 10
2020 | 13
2021 | 12
2022 | 14
2023
2024 | 16
2025 | 14

### Formation

[edit]

The league was formed as a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football, announced the day before the 2008 National Indoor Bowl Championship, a game which pitted the champions of the two leagues against each other. The Sioux Falls Storm (United) defeated the Louisiana Swashbucklers (Intense) 54–42.

#### 2009 season

[edit]

Main article: 2009 Indoor Football League season

Of the 17 teams involved in the two previous leagues, 14 moved over to the new organization's 2009 season. An additional three teams came over from the CIFL and two expansion teams began their life in the new IFL. In the United Bowl, the Billings Outlaws (Intense Conference) took the league championship by defeating the RiverCity Rage (United Conference) by a score of 71–62.

### 2010s

[edit]

#### 2010 season

[edit]

Main article: 2010 Indoor Football League season

After losing two teams to attrition after the end of the 2009 season, and a third in January 2010, the IFL then added another nine franchises to boost its membership to 25 for the 2010 season. Three of the new teams were expansion franchises. Two moved over from the Southern Indoor Football League and Continental Indoor Football League. After playing nine games of the 2010 season the Alaska Wild suspended operations, leaving only 24 teams to finish the year. In the United Bowl, the Billings Outlaws (Intense Conference) took the league championship by defeating the Sioux Falls Storm (United Conference) by a score of 43–34.

#### 2011 season

[edit]

Main article: 2011 Indoor Football League season

Seven new teams were added to the IFL for the 2011 season. Some of these were new expansion teams, and others moved to the IFL from the AIFA. The IFL also lost nine teams during the offseason, bringing the total number to 22 for 2011. In the United Bowl, the Sioux Falls Storm (United Conference) took the league championship by defeating the Tri-Cities Fever (Intense Conference) by a score of 37–10.

#### 2012 season

[edit]

Main article: 2012 Indoor Football League season

The league had 16 teams that played the 2012 season. For the 2012 season, the IFL switched to a two-conference format with no divisions,[6] due in large part to the loss of all the Texas-based teams (except the Allen Wranglers) to the newly formed Lone Star Football League. The Wranglers brought attention to the league for offering a $500,000 contract to unemployed wide receiver Terrell Owens to become the team's part-owner and wide receiver. Owens accepted the contract. ESPN3 carried Owens's debut game against the Wichita Wild, but his association with the team and the league proved to be short-lived. The front office of the league saw changes as well, as Commissioner Tommy Benizio resigned.[7] The league appointed assistant commissioner Robert Loving as the interim Commissioner.[7]

#### 2013 season

[edit]

Main article: 2013 Indoor Football League season

On October 12, 2012, the Bloomington Edge announced that the team had been sold to the owners of the Bloomington Blaze hockey franchise and would relocate to the new Champions Professional Indoor Football League for the 2013 season.[8] On January 21, 2013, the league announced that the owner of the Cheyenne Warriors had died and that the team would not be entering the league this season as planned.

#### 2014 season

[edit]

Main article: 2014 Indoor Football League season

The league added the Minnesota-based Bemidji Axemen to expand to 10 teams but the Chicago Slaughter were sold and changed leagues, returning the IFL to nine teams for the 2014 season. In February 2014, the league announced that it would return to Montana in 2015 with the new Billings Wolves franchise.[9]

#### 2015 season

[edit]

Main article: 2015 Indoor Football League season

On July 27, 2014, Iowa Barnstormers president Jeff Lamberti hinted at joining the league by telling a local TV station that the franchise will explore "all options" in the off-season of their continuance to play, including leaving the Arena Football League and going to the IFL for 2015.[10] They joined the IFL in August 2014, becoming the fourth active AFL/af2 franchise to leave for the IFL since the Texas Revolution (formerly the Arkansas Twisters), the Tri-Cities Fever and the Green Bay Blizzard. (The Revolution left the IFL for Champions Indoor Football before ceasing operations in May 2019.)

#### 2016 season

[edit]

Main article: 2016 Indoor Football League season

This was the first season the IFL utilized roster restrictions which call for all teams to carry no more than seven players with three or more years' experience in Indoor/Arena football.[11] For the second consecutive season, an AFL team was strongly rumored to join the IFL, as Spokane Shock owner Nader Naini said on August 10, 2015, that he was considering all options for the team.[12] On September 1, the Shock officially joined the IFL, becoming the fifth active AFL/af2 franchise to leave for the IFL since the aforementioned Barnstormers, Fever, Blizzard and Revolution.[13] The Shock, however, would have to enter the IFL under a new identity as the Arena League announced on October 12 that they would retain the rights to the Shock logos and name, possibly for future use by another franchise in the state of Washington.[14] The team subsequently held a name-the-team contest, which resulted in their new identity as the Spokane Empire.[15][16]

On September 9, the Minnesota Havok (based in Mankato) were announced as an IFL team.[17] However, on January 29, just four weeks before the 2016 season was to kick off, the Havok were terminated by the league for failing to meet operational standards.[18]

On November 25, the Minnesota Axemen folded due to the team "Not fulfilling their commitments to the league."[19] Commissioner Mike Allshouse called the move a proactive one to prevent the team having to fold mid-season.[20]

#### 2017 season

[edit]

Main article: 2017 Indoor Football League season

On June 30, 2016, the IFL announced that the Tri-Cities Fever franchise would be dormant, but in good standing with the IFL, for the 2017 season.[21]

Project FANchise, a group aiming to create a professional sports team where fans help run the day-to-day operations, announced they would operate a new team, the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles in Salt Lake City. A fan vote determined the team's name and logo, and select fans will have access to player personnel decisions and in-game play calling. Project FANchise also bought the Colorado Crush in October and began operating the team in the same manner.

During the 2016 season, the Billings Wolves' website was hacked, was never completely fixed, and was non-operational for months. Several former staff members claimed that the team had folded after the completion of the season. On October 24, 2016, the Wolves announced they had left the IFL because of state regulations and failing to find new ownership for the team.[22]

On October 17, 2016, the IFL announced it had added the Arizona Rattlers, previously of the Arena Football League, for the 2017 season.[23] The Rattlers were the third team in three consecutive seasons to leave the AFL for the IFL. The league rejected the bid of another former AFL franchise, the Jacksonville Sharks, who are located outside the IFL's regional territory. They subsequently announced their charter membership in an entirely new league, originally to have been called the Arena Development League but actually beginning play under the name National Arena League.[24]

#### 2018 season

[edit]

Main article: 2018 Indoor Football League season

After the 2017 season came to a close, the website for the Colorado Crush was shut down with no formal announcement on the franchise's future. Project FANchise, which also ran the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, had announced they would start their own league and left the IFL, with both teams going up for sale.[25] No buyers for either team were subsequently found and the teams folded. On July 12, 2017, the Spokane Empire announced that they would be suspending operations effective immediately.[26]

On July 25, 2017, the IFL announced that only the Arizona Rattlers, Cedar Rapids Titans, Green Bay Blizzard, Iowa Barnstormers, and Nebraska Danger had committed to play for 2018.[27] However, expansion clubs and current member clubs had until September 1 to commit to the 2018 season.[28] On August 30, the Sioux Falls Storm announced that they had joined Champions Indoor Football for 2018 after winning six consecutive championships from 2011 to 2016. The Storm was shortly followed by the Wichita Falls Nighthawks.

The IFL then added the Bloomington Edge and West Michigan Ironmen from the CIF on September 12.[29] The CIF apparently then attempted to sue the IFL, Edge, and Ironmen for leaving the CIF after the two teams had already signed league affiliation agreements with the CIF for 2018. The IFL then threatened to sue the CIF, Storm, and Nighthawks in return despite neither former IFL team signing an affiliation agreement with the IFL for 2018.[30] The CIF then retracted their lawsuit with the IFL but also removed the Storm and Nighthawks from their 2018 schedule.[31] After the IFL meetings in October 2017, the Storm returned to the IFL[32] but the Nighthawks had to suspend operations.[33] While the CIF did drop the lawsuit against the IFL, it filed for an injunction against the Edge and Ironmen teams from participating in the IFL for breaking the terms of their signed affiliation agreements. A temporary injunction from participation in the league was granted on January 31, 2018, with the court ruling determining that both teams had been offered bribes from the owner of the Arizona Rattlers to break their contract with the CIF.[34][35] The schedule was revised in February for the six participating teams stating the Edge and Ironmen were to return in 2019.

During the season, the Cedar Rapids Titans' ownership announced the team was for sale with hopes of selling to new local ownership.[36] In June 2018, it was announced that the Titans had been sold to Roy Choi, a California-based businessman, with the intentions of keeping the team Cedar Rapids but would rebrand the team.[37][38]

#### 2019 season

[edit]

Main article: 2019 Indoor Football League season

In August 2018, the IFL announced that the expansion Tucson Sugar Skulls, owned by Rattlers' coach Kevin Guy, were joining the league after being rumored to have joined the CIF. On September 7, the IFL announced that the Quad City Steamwheelers would join the league from the CIF.[39] The Cedar Rapids team announced their rebrand as the Cedar Rapids River Kings on September 22.[40] On October 5, the Bismarck Bucks of the CIF announced their move to the IFL.[41] On November 19, the IFL announced another expansion team, the San Diego Strike Force, owned by the new Cedar Rapids owner Roy Choi to bring the league back up to ten teams.[42] The addition of the Sugar Skulls and Strike Force gave the Rattlers geographic rivals, reducing that team's travel expenses in a league otherwise centered in the upper Midwest.

### 2020s

[edit]

#### 2020 season

[edit]

Main article: 2020 Indoor Football League season

On August 20, 2019, the Duke City Gladiators joined the IFL after winning back-to-back CIF championships.[43] On September 10, the Oakland Panthers, co-owned by former National Football League (NFL) running back Marshawn Lynch, joined the IFL for the 2020 season.[44] On November 1, the league added the Spokane Shock after it was resurrected by former NFL player Sam Adams, with the Spokane team reacquiring the Shock brand following the Empire's folding in 2017.[45][46] The Bosselman family were looking to sell the Nebraska Danger,[47] but no owner was found before the deadline for participating in the 2020 season. On November 24, 2019, the IFL added a thirteenth team in Frisco, Texas, owned by the Germain family called the Frisco Fighters.[48] The Germain family also purchased the sponsorship rights for the IFL, the management rights of the league's communications and marketing department, as well as a second expansion for the 2021 season in Columbus, Ohio, known as the Columbus Wild Dogs.[49][50]

Two games into the 2020 season, the league postponed the rest of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 13, 2020, the season was fully cancelled.[51]

#### 2021 season

[edit]

Main article: 2021 Indoor Football League season

The Frisco Fighters played their inaugural home opener against the Duke City Gladiators during the 2021 season.

On June 26, 2020, the Columbus Wild Dogs announced it would not begin play until 2022.[52] On August 19, 2020, the Massachusetts Pirates, formerly of the National Arena League, were added to the IFL for the 2021 season as the league's first East Coast-based team.[53] On August 25, the league added the Northern Arizona Wranglers in Prescott Valley, Arizona, for the 2021 season, joining the Arizona Rattlers and Tucson Sugar Skulls as the third IFL team to be based in Arizona for 2021.[54] On November 6, the Louisville Xtreme of Louisville, Kentucky, was added.[55] The 2020 expansion Oakland Panthers,[56] as well as the Cedar Rapids River Kings, Quad City Steamwheelers, and the San Diego Strike Force withdrew from the season due to the effects of the pandemic.[57][58] On May 11, 2021, the IFL announced as broadcast partnership with Stadium to air the IFL Game of the Week beginning May 15, 2021.[59] On June 14, the IFL terminated the Xtreme's membership after five games played due to failing to maintain the league's minimum obligations and did not finish the season.[60]

#### 2022 season

[edit]

Main article: 2022 Indoor Football League season

On May 11, 2021, the IFL announced that Bill Foley and the Vegas Golden Knights had purchased a 2022 expansion franchise to be based in the Las Vegas Valley called the Vegas Knight Hawks.[61] In October 2021, the league updated its website, removing the Cedar Rapids River Kings and Columbus Wild Dogs.[62] On February 24, 2022, the Spokane Shock were removed from the league after the team lost its lease for their home arena.[63][64]

#### 2023 season

[edit]

Main article: 2023 Indoor Football League season

On July 26, 2022, the IFL announced that Andy Scurto and the Tulsa Oilers had purchased a 2023 expansion franchise to be based in Tulsa, which would also be called the Tulsa Oilers. The Bay Area Panthers won the 2023 Championship defeating the Sioux Falls Storm 51–41 after going 1–15 in the previous year.[65][66] On October 7, the Bismarck Bucks announced they will suspend operations for the 2023 season.[67]

For the 2023 season, the league signed a player personnel partnership with the XFL, to function as their de facto minor league.[68]

#### 2024 season

[edit]

Main article: 2024 Indoor Football League season

For the 2024 season, the league expanded to 16 teams with the addition of the Jacksonville Sharks and San Antonio Gunslingers from the National Arena League.[69] The Sharks were added to the Eastern Conference and the Gunslingers were added to the Western Conference.[70] While the Bismarck Bucks will stay idle for another season, the Scheels Arena will host the "Fargo-IFL Gridiron Classic" between Sioux Falls Storm and Massachusetts Pirates.[71]

On October 24, 2023, the IFL announced that its first expansion team for 2025 would be based in Indianapolis and would play at the new Fishers Event Center in nearby Fishers.[72] On December 15, the team announced they would be known as the Fishers Freight.[73]

Starting in 2024, the league has a theme song for all games – "The Indoor War" by Sioux Falls-based musician Denham. The song was released on March 10, 2024.[74]

#### 2025 season

[edit]

Main article: 2025 Indoor Football League season

On October 16, 2024, the IFL announced that the Duke City Gladiators and Frisco Fighters would sit out the 2025 season, both looking to return to play in 2026. The season schedule was announced on October 31, 2024.[75][76]

On October 30, 2024, the Sioux Falls Storm announced they would sit out the 2025 season after their home arena did not renew the team's lease.[77]

## Teams

[edit]

### Current

[edit]

For the 2025 season, the league is split into two conferences.[70]

Overview of current Indoor Football League teams  Conference  | Team  | Location  | Arena  | Capacity  | Founded  | Joined  | Head coach

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Eastern Conference  | Fishers Freight | Fishers, Indiana | Fishers Event Center | 6,500  | 2023  | 2025  | Dixie Wooten
Green Bay Blizzard | Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin | Resch Center | 8,600  | 2003  | 2010  | Corey Roberson
Iowa Barnstormers | Des Moines, Iowa | Casey's Center | 15,181  | 1995  | 2015  | Dave Mogensen
Jacksonville Sharks | Jacksonville, Florida | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena | 13,011  | 2009  | 2024  | Jason Gibson
Massachusetts Pirates | Lowell, Massachusetts | Tsongas Center | 6,003  | 2017  | 2021  | Tom Menas[78]
Quad City Steamwheelers | Moline, Illinois | Vibrant Arena | 9,200  | 2017  | 2019  | Cory Ross
Tulsa Oilers | Tulsa, Oklahoma | BOK Center | 16,582  | 2022  | 2023  | Marvin Jones
Western Conference  | Arizona Rattlers | Glendale, Arizona | Desert Diamond Arena | 19,000  | 1992  | 2017  | Kevin Guy
Bay Area Panthers | San Jose, California | SAP Center | 17,562  | 2019  | 2020  | Rob Keefe
Northern Arizona Wranglers | Prescott Valley, Arizona | Findlay Toyota Center | 6,000  | 2020  | 2021  | Ron James
San Antonio Gunslingers | San Antonio, Texas | Freeman Coliseum | 9,800  | 2020  | 2024  | James Fuller[79]
San Diego Strike Force | Oceanside, California | Frontwave Arena | 7,500  | 2018  | 2019  | Taylor Genuser
Tucson Sugar Skulls | Tucson, Arizona | Tucson Convention Center | 9,000  | 2018  | 2019  | Billy Back
Vegas Knight Hawks | Henderson, Nevada | Lee's Family Forum | 5,567  | 2021  | 2022  | Mike Davis
Prospective Indoor Football League teams  Team  | Location  | Arena  | Capacity  | Founded  | Joined  | Head coach

|
|
|
|
|
|

Buffalo Destroyers | Buffalo, New York | Alumni Arena | 6,783  | 2025  | 2026[80] | TBA
Duke City Gladiators | Rio Rancho, New Mexico | Rio Rancho Events Center | 6,000  | 2015  | 2020; 2026[75] | Vacant
Frisco Fighters | Frisco, Texas | Comerica Center | 3,500  | 2019  | 2020; 2026[75] | Vacant
Sioux Falls Storm | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Denny Sanford Premier Center | 10,678  | 2000  | 2009; 2026[77] | Andre Fields

### Map of teams

[edit]

Rattlers

Panthers

Freight

Blizzard

Barnstormers

Sharks

Pirates

Wranglers

Steamwheelers

Gunslingers

Strike Force

Sugar Skulls

Oilers

Knight Hawks

class=notpageimage|

Current IFL team locations (Eastern Conference teams in blue; Western Conference teams in red)

### Former

[edit]

* Abilene Ruff Riders – Left IFL after 2010 season for the Southern Indoor Football League and later folded in 2013.
* Alaska Wild – Team suspended operations nine games into the 2010 season. The coach and multiple players left to play elsewhere and the team no longer had money to continue the season.[81][82]
* Amarillo Venom – Left IFL after 2011 season for the Lone Star Football League.[83]
* Arctic Predators – Originally announced as 2010 IFL member, but stalemate between ownership group and head coach led to lease difficulties; IFL franchise moved and became the Kent Predators. (A different team with the same name [Arctic Predators] then became a member of the American Indoor Football Association.)
* Arizona Adrenaline – Ceased operations before the end of the 2011 season. Some games were played with a replacement team.
* Austin Turfcats – Folded following the 2010 season.[84]
* Bismarck Bucks – Suspended operations in 2022. Team no longer listed on IFL website as of October 2023.
* Billings Outlaws – Owner suspended the 2011 season and never returned.[84]
* Billings Wolves – Owner could not find a buyer for the team after the 2016 season and did not return.
* Binghamton – Owner suspended the 2012 season and never returned.[citation needed]
* Bloomington Edge – Left IFL after 2012 season; rejoined the IFL for the 2018 season but was subsequently barred from playing in the IFL that season due to ligation over its departure from the CIF. Played an independent schedule in 2018 with the intent of rejoining the IFL in 2019,[85] but were not included in the league schedule. In 2020 planned on joining the American Arena League, but lost out on the lease to the arena to another tenant and subsequently folded.
* Bricktown Brawlers – Ceased operations before the end of the 2011 season. Final games were played with a replacement team.
* Cedar Rapids Titans/River Kings – Played as the Titans from 2012 to 2018. Were sold and rebranded as the River Kings for the 2019 season and folded after the cancelled 2020 season. The team returned to play with the AIF in 2024 but became an independent team due to management issues.
* CenTex Barracudas – Originally announced as a 2009 IFL member but then was not included in 2009 alignment.
* Charlotte Speed – Originally intended to play during the 2013 IFL season but left for the PIFL instead.
* Cheyenne Warriors – Owner died shortly before 2013 season began and team suspended IFL operations prior to first season. They played a few games in the DIFL, and shutdown entirely in May 2013.[86][87][88]
* Chicago Slaughter – Left IFL after 2013 season to join Continental Indoor Football League, but never played in it.
* Colorado Crush – Website shut down at the conclusion of the 2017 season after their owners, Project FANchise, left the league to start their own league.
* Columbus Wild Dogs – Announced in 2019 to begin play in 2021. The original ownership group, led by Steve Germain, cut ties with the team before the 2022 season and the team never launched.[89]
* Corpus Christi Hammerheads – Left IFL after 2010 season for the Southern Indoor Football League.[90]
* El Paso Generals – Owners attempted to sell the team and after 2009 season and never returned.
* Everett Raptors – Team folded after 2012 season.
* Everett Destroyers – Originally announced as a 2009 IFL member but then was not included in 2009 alignment.
* Fairbanks Grizzlies – Owner suspended the 2012 season and never returned.[91]
* Frisco Thunder – Originally announced as 2009 IFL member but then announced they would take season off while Dr Pepper Arena was being renovated and never returned.
* La Crosse Spartans – Owners suspended the team and started the Cedar Rapids Titans. The team failed to find new ownership in 2011 and never returned.
* Lehigh Valley Steelhawks – Left IFL after 2012 season for the Professional Indoor Football League.
* Louisiana Swashbucklers – A member of the Intense Football League in 2008; left Indoor Football League prior to its inaugural season for the Southern Indoor Football League.[92]
* Louisville Xtreme – Added for the 2021 season but membership was terminated by the league after five games played.
* Maryland Maniacs – Owner suspended the 2011 season and never returned.[84]
* Minnesota Axemen – Membership terminated in 2015 by the league due to franchise's failure to meet league obligations.
* Minnesota Havok – Announced for 2016 season but were terminated by the league one month prior to the season for failure to reach minimum operational standards.
* New Mexico Stars – Left IFL after 2012 season for the Lone Star Football League.
* Nebraska Danger – Joined in 2011; owner put the team up for sale at the end of the 2019 season and did not find a buyer before the 2020 season.
* Omaha Beef – Left IFL after 2012 season for the Champions Professional Indoor Football League.
* Reading Express – Took 2013 season off and never returned.
* Richmond Revolution – Owner suspended the 2012 season and never returned.[93]
* RiverCity Rage – Owner suspended the team to focus on the Omaha Beef.[94]
* Rochester Raiders – Owner suspended the 2011 season and never returned.[84]
* Saginaw Sting – Left for the Ultimate Indoor Football League after sitting out the 2010 season.[95]
* Salt Lake Screaming Eagles – After Project FANchise left the IFL to start a new league, the Screaming Eagles were never able to secure new ownership.
* San Angelo Stampede Express – Owner suspended the 2011 season and never returned.[84]
* Sioux City Bandits – Left IFL after 2010 season for the American Professional Football League.[96]
* Spokane Empire – Owner suspended operations after the 2017 season and eventually reacquired the Spokane Shock brand. The Shock returned to the league in 2020.
* Spokane Shock – Returned for the cancelled 2020 season and played the 2021 season. Removed from league after the team lost its lease in prior to the 2022 season.
* Texas Revolution – Left IFL after 2014 season, now defunct.
* Tri-Cities Fever – Team went dormant after the 2016 season with the franchise remaining in good standing with the IFL, but the current ownership has no plans for a return.
* Tucson Thunder Kats – Team joined the AIFA West before being officially accepted into the IFL but ended up suspending operations in November 2010 due to financial losses instead.[97]
* West Michigan Ironmen – Attempted to join the IFL for the 2018 season from the CIF but was barred from joining. The team was sold in 2018 and the new ownership was announced as rejoining the CIF for 2019, but were not included for 2019[98] and instead joined Midwest Professional Indoor Football.
* West Michigan ThunderHawks – Owner suspended the 2011 season and never returned.[84]
* Wenatchee Valley Venom – Owner suspended the 2012 season and never returned.[99]
* West Texas Roughnecks – Left IFL after 2011 season for the Lone Star Football League.[83]
* Wichita Falls Nighthawks – Left for Champions Indoor Football after the 2017 season but folded due to league disputes.
* Wichita Wild – Left IFL after the 2012 season, for the Champions Indoor Football League. Folded in 2014.
* Wyoming Cavalry – Owner ceased operations in September 2014.

### Timeline

[edit]

## IFL National Championship

[edit]

Main article: IFL National Championship

The IFL Championship Game (formerly the United Bowl) has been played every season since 2009. The current IFL champions are the Arizona Rattlers, who won the championship game in 2024 defeating Massachusetts in Las Vegas.

The IFL continued to use the "United Bowl" name originally used by United Indoor Football. The UIF used this name before they merged with Intense Football League to form the Indoor Football League. The UIF held United Bowl I, II, III, and IV in 2005 through 2008, with all four being won by the Sioux Falls Storm. Although the name "National Indoor Bowl Championship" was used for the 2008 contest between the UIF and the Intense Football League, the "United Bowl" name was used for the combined league's championship instead up through 2021. Starting in the 2022 season the league started a three-year deal to play the now named IFL National Championship Game in the Lee's Family Forum (formerly the Dollar Loan Center) in Henderson, Nevada.

## Media

[edit]

On May 11, 2021, the IFL announced a national television partnership with Stadium, in which Stadium will air the IFL Game of The Week nationally each week for the rest of the season. The deal was negotiated by The Team Management, LLC, and each game will be produced exclusively by BEK Communications.[100] In 2023, IFL announced a new broadcasting agreement with CBS Sports Network ensuring that the next three IFL National Championship games will air on the network. The deal also allows for additional games to be aired on CBS Sports Network throughout the agreement.[101]

On March 12, 2025, the IFL announced the launch of IFL Network, a subscription streaming service that will carry all of the IFL's games live online.[102] The deal ends the IFL's practice of streaming the games for free on YouTube as it had in 2024. Some teams also have individual contracts with local or regional TV and radio channels.

## Hall of Fame

[edit]

The Indoor Football League Hall of Fame is the official Hall of Fame of the IFL. The creation and inaugural class for this Hall was formed in 2014 and consisted of three inductees. All classes between 2014 and 2019 have consisted of three inductees which have contributed to the league in a significant way. There were no inductees for 2020; however, the 2021 class included four inductees. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor for players, coaches, and contributors involved in the IFL. The league was formed out of the merger of two indoor football leagues United Indoor Football and Intense Football League, which qualifies players who have also contributed at a high level to these former leagues prior to the merger. This Hall of Fame only incorporates contributors to the IFL, and its former leagues, so no other indoor or arena football leagues factor into the inductions. The Arena Football League has its own corresponding Hall of Fame. There is currently no physical location for the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame. Unlike the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Canadian Football Hall of Fame, there is no museum to view the inductees. Instead, it is more similar to the Arena Football Hall of Fame in that the inductees are enshrined online and without a physical location.

### Qualifications

[edit]

In order to be nominated for the Indoor Football League Hall of Fame, a candidate must have contributed in some significant fashion to be enshrined in the Hall. There is no official criteria that must be met other than the self-explained significant contributions to the league. Unlike other football Hall of Fames, the IFL Hall of Fame is far more new and laxed. To qualify, a member would need to significantly contribute to a franchise that played in the IFL, United Indoor Football, or Intense Football League during their tenure.

### Ceremony and Hall of Fame Game

[edit]

Starting with the 2021 season, the league added a new tradition of a Hall of Fame game. Similar to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, the first game of the season will now commemorate and recognize the hall of fame class for that year. Before this, the inductees were celebrated during the United Bowl championship game.[103]

### Inductees

[edit]

Biographies and statistics can be referenced at the Hall of Fame web site.[104][105][106] Inductee  | Class  | Position  | Team(s)  | Years

|
|
|
|

Tommy Benizio | 2014 | Commissioner, Owner, Co-founder | Odessa Roughnecks | 2004–2008
Commissioner | 2008–2012
Rich Roste | 2014 | Announcer | Sioux Falls Storm | 2000–2021[107]
Terrance Bryant | 2014 | Quarterback | Sioux Falls Storm | 2005–2010, 2013
LaRon Council[108] | 2015 | Running Back | La Crosse Spartans | 2011
Green Bay Blizzard | 2012
Cedar Rapids Titans | 2013–2014
Chris Dixon[109] | 2015 | Quarterback | Black Hills Red Dogs | 2005
Billings Mavericks/ Outlaws | 2005–2010
Sioux Falls Storm | 2011–2012, 2014, 2019
B. J. Hill | 2015 | Defensive back/Kick return | Green Bay Blizzard | 2010–2013, 2018–2019
Mark Blackburn | 2016 | Linebacker | Sioux Falls Storm | 2003–2010
Lionell Singleton[110] | 2016 | Defensive back | Tri-Cities Fever | 2010–2015
Tom Wigley | 2016 | Owner | Colorado Ice/ Crush | 2010–2016
Robert Fuller | 2017 | Head Coach | Omaha Beef | 2005–2006
Fairbanks Grizzlies | 2011
Green Bay Blizzard | 2012–2013
Bemidji Axemen | 2014
Cory Johnsen | 2017 | Defensive lineman | Sioux Falls Storm | 2006–2015
James Terry | 2017 | Wide receiver | Sioux Falls Storm | 2006–2015
Pig Brown | 2018 | Linebacker | RiverCity Rage | 2009
Nebraska Danger | 2012–2015
Charlie Sanders | 2018 | Offensive lineman | Billings Outlaws | 2010
Sioux Falls Storm | 2011–2016
Jameel Sewell | 2018 | Quarterback | Green Bay Blizzard | 2011
Nebraska Danger | 2012–2016
Javicz Jones[111] | 2019 | Linebacker | Texas Revolution | 2014
Iowa Barnstormers | 2015–2017
Myniya Smith | 2019 | Offensive lineman | Billings Outlaws | 2009–2010
Sioux Falls Storm | 2011–2017
Bryan Pray[112] | 2019 | Wide receiver | West Michigan ThunderHawks | 2010
La Crosse Spartans | 2011
Green Bay Blizzard | 2012
Ceder Rapids Titans | 2013–2015
Iowa Barnstormers | 2016
Spokane Empire | 2017
Fred Jackson | 2021 | Running back | Sioux City Bandits | 2004–2005
Heron O'Neal[113][114] | 2021 | Head coach | Billings Outlaws | 2006–2010
Colorado Ice/ Crush | 2012–2016
John Pettit | 2021 | General manager/vice president | Iowa Barnstormers | 2008–2020
Kurtiss Riggs | 2021 | Head coach | Sioux Falls Storm | 2003–2023
Charlie Bosselman | 2022 | Owner | Nebraska Danger | 2010–2019
Nate Fluit | 2022 | Defensive lineman | Sioux Falls Storm | 2003–2007
Carl Sims | 2022 | Wide receiver | Bloomington Extreme | 2009
Sioux City Bandits | 2010
Billings Outlaws | 2010
Sioux Falls Storm | 2011–2012
Cedar Rapids Titans | 2013–2015
Billings Wolves | 2015
Green Bay Blizzard | 2015
Spokane Empire | 2016–2017
Nebraska Danger | 2017
Parker Douglass | 2023 | Kicker | Sioux Falls Storm | 2009–2021
Xzavie Jackson | 2023 | Defensive lineman | RiverCity Rage | 2009
La Crosse Spartans | 2010–2011
Cedar Rapids Titans | 2012–2016
Nebraska Danger | 2017–2018
Tyler Knight | 2023 | Linebacker | Arkansas Diamonds | 2010
Sioux Falls Storm | 2011, 2013–2017
Houston Lillard | 2024 | Quarterback | Tri-Cities Fever | 2010–2014
Clinton Solomon | 2024 | Wide receiver | Wichita Wild | 2009–2011
Sioux Falls Storm | 2012–2013
Texas Revolution | 2014, 2016
Todd Tryon | 2024 | Owner, Commissioner | Sioux Falls Storm | 2010–2019
Commissioner | 2019–present

## Awards

[edit]

### Most Valuable Player

[edit]

The Indoor Football League Most Valuable Player award, or simply the IFL MVP, is presented annually by the IFL to a player adjudged to have been the most valuable in that year's regular season. The first award was named the Adam Pringle Most Valuable Player award before the IFL announced the Adam Pringle Award in 2010.

Key for the below tables  Symbol  | Description

|

†  | Player elected to the IFL Hall of Fame
IFL Most Valuable Player award winners  Year  | Winner  | Team  | Position  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2009 | Chris Dixon† | Billings Outlaws | Quarterback | [115]
2010 | Bryan Randall | Richmond Revolution | Quarterback (2) | [116]
2011 | Chris Dixon† (2) | Sioux Falls Storm | Quarterback (3) | [117]
2012 | Chris Dixon† (3) | Sioux Falls Storm (2) | Quarterback (4) | [118]
2013 | Jameel Sewell | Nebraska Danger | Quarterback (5) | [119]
2014 | Willie Copeland  | Colorado Crush | Quarterback (6) | [120]
2015 | Jameel Sewell (2) | Nebraska Danger (2) | Quarterback (7) | [121]
2016 | Charles McCullum  | Wichita Falls Nighthawks | Quarterback (8) | [122]
2017 | Charles McCullum (2) | Wichita Falls Nighthawks (2) | Quarterback (9) | [123]
2018 | Drew Powell | Iowa Barnstormers | Quarterback (10) | [124]
2019 | Daquan Neal  | Iowa Barnstormers (2) | Quarterback (11) | [125]
2021 | Drew Powell (2) | Arizona Rattlers | Quarterback (12) | [126]
2022 | Drew Powell (3) | Arizona Rattlers (2) | Quarterback (13) | [127]
2023 | T. J. Edwards | Frisco Fighters | Quarterback (14) | [128]
2024 | Ja'Rome Johnson  | Vegas Knight Hawks | Quarterback (15) | [129]

### Offensive Player of the Year

[edit]

The Indoor Football League Offensive Player of the Year Award is given annually by the IFL to the offensive player of the IFL believed to have had the most outstanding season. Chris Dixon has won the most awards with four. Sam Castronova has won the most recent award in 2024.

Key  ^  | Denotes year in which a player also won IFL MVP

|

Season  | Player  | Team  | Position  | Ref

|
|
|
|

2009 | Chris Dixon | Billings Outlaws | Quarterback | [130]
2010 | Ben Sankey | Omaha Beef | Quarterback  | [131]
2011 | Chris Dixon (2)  | Sioux Falls Storm | Quarterback  | [132]
2012 | Chris Dixon (3)  | Sioux Falls Storm (2)  | Quarterback  | [133]
2013 | Jameel Sewell | Nebraska Danger | Quarterback  | [134]
2014 | Chris Dixon (4)  | Sioux Falls Storm (3)  | Quarterback  | [135]
2015 | Steven Whitehead  | Tri-Cities Fever | Wide receiver | [136]
2016 | Demarius Washington  | Colorado Crush | Wide receiver  |
2017 | Charles McCullum  | Wichita Falls Nighthawks | Quarterback  | [137]
2018 | Darrell Monroe  | Arizona Rattlers | Running back | [138]
2019 | E.J. Hilliard  | Quad City Steamwheelers | Quarterback  | [139]
2021 | Nate Davis | Duke City Gladiators | Quarterback  | [140]
2022 | E.J. Hilliard (2)  | Quad City Steamwheelers (2)  | Quarterback  | [141]
2023 | Drew Powell | Arizona Rattlers (2)  | Quarterback  | [142]
2024 | Sam Castronova  | San Antonio Gunslingers | Quarterback  | [143]

### Coach of the Year

[edit]

The Indoor Football League Coach of the Year award, is presented annually by the IFL to a head coach adjudged to have had the most outstanding season.

Key for the below tables  Symbol  | Description

|

Winner (#) | Denotes number of times the coach has won the award
*  | Team won IFL National Championship the same year the recipient won the award
†  | Coach elected to the IFL Hall of Fame
IFL Coach of the Year award winners  Year  | Winner  | Team  | Record  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2009 | Brian Brents  | El Paso Generals | 12–2  | [144]
2010 | Steve Criswell  | Richmond Revolution | 13–1  |
2011 | Robert Fuller† | Fairbanks Grizzlies | 10–4  | [145]
2012 | Robert Fuller† (2) | Green Bay Blizzard | 11–3  | [146]
2013 | Mark Stoute  | Cedar Rapids Titans | 9–5  |
2014 | Heron O’Neal† | Colorado Ice | 10–4  |
2015 | Kurtiss Riggs† | Sioux Falls Storm*  | 14–0  | [147]
2016 | Billy Back  | Wichita Falls Nighthawks | 11–5  | [148]
2017 | Dixie Wooten  | Iowa Barnstormers | 13–3  |
2018 | Dixie Wooten (2) | Iowa Barnstormers*  | 11–3  | [149]
2019 | Corey Roberson  | Green Bay Blizzard | 9–5  | [150]
2021 | Kevin Guy | Arizona Rattlers | 12–2  | [151]
2022 | Les Moss | Northern Arizona Wranglers*  | 12–4  | [152]
2023 | Hurtis Chinn  | Tucson Sugar Skulls | 9–6  | [153]
2024 | Corey Roberson (2) | Green Bay Blizzard | 13–3  | [154]

### Franchise of the Year

[edit]

The Indoor Football League Franchise of the Year award is presented annually by the IFL to the team adjudged to have had the best overall game day operations, media relations, and on-field performance in that year's regular season.

Key for the below tables  Symbol  | Description

|

*  | Team won IFL National Championship
†  | Coach won IFL Coach of the Year Award
IFL Franchise of the Year award winners  Year  | Team  | Coach  | Record  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2009 | Wichita Wild | Ken Matous  | 8–6  | [155]
2010 | Richmond Revolution | Steve Criswell† | 13–1  | [156]
2011 | Green Bay Blizzard | Rik Richards  | 11–3  | [157]
2012 | Tri-Cities Fever | Teri Carr  | 12–2  | [158]
2013 | Nebraska Danger | Mike Davis  | 10–4  | [159]
2014 | Cedar Rapids Titans | Mark Stoute  | 11–3  | [160]
2015 | Tri-Cities Fever | Teri Carr  | 8–6  | [161]
2016 | Sioux Falls Storm*  | Kurtiss Riggs | 15–1  |
2017 | Arizona Rattlers*  | Kevin Guy | 12–4  | [162]
2018 | Green Bay Blizzard | Corey Roberson[a] | 2–12  | [163]
2019 | Arizona Rattlers | Kevin Guy | 14–0  | [164]
2021 | Arizona Rattlers | Kevin Guy† | 12–2  | [165]
2022 | Quad City Steamwheelers | Cory Ross | 9–7  | [166]
2023 | Green Bay Blizzard | Corey Roberson  | 7–8  | [167]
2024 | Green Bay Blizzard | Corey Roberson† | 13–3  | [168]

## See also

[edit]

* National Professional Soccer League (1984–2001)
* World Indoor Soccer League (1998-2001)
* Major Indoor Soccer League (2001–2008)

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ In 2018, Chris Williams served as the Green Bay Blizzard's head coach until he was fired on March 29 after starting the season 0–5. Corey Roberson took over as the interim head coach.

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142. ^ Howe, Tyler (August 3, 2023). "IFL ANNOUNCES POWELL AS OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR". Indoor Football League. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
143. ^ Howe, Tyler (August 15, 2024). "SAM CASTRONOVA EARNS 2024 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR". Indoor Football League. Retrieved April 1, 2025.
144. ^ "2009 IFL Coach Of The Year Heads West". OurSportsCentral. Seattle Timberwolves. January 7, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
145. ^ "2011 IFL Player Awards Announced". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. June 23, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
146. ^ "Blizzard Head Coach Robert Fuller Named 2012 IFL Coach of the Year". OurSportsCentral. Green Bay Blizzard. June 28, 2012. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
147. ^ "2015 Individual Awards Announced". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. July 2, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
148. ^ "IFL NEWS 2016 Coach and Special Teams Player of the Year Announced". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. July 15, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
149. ^ "2018 IFL MVP and Coach of the Year Announced". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. July 5, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
150. ^ "IFL MVP & Coach of the Year Announced". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. July 5, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
151. ^ "GUY NAMED IFL COACH OF THE YEAR". Indoor Football League. September 10, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
152. ^ "IFL ANNOUNCES 2022 COACH OF THE YEAR". Indoor Football League. August 5, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
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154. ^ Zientek, Dakota (August 10, 2024). "COREY ROBERSON EARNS 2024 COACH OF THE YEAR". Indoor Football League. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
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156. ^ "Revolution Named 2010 IFL Franchise of the Year, Bryan Randall Wins IFL MVP". OurSportsCentral. Richmond Revolution. June 23, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
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158. ^ "IFL IFL Announces 2017 Hall of Fame Finalists". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. May 22, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
159. ^ "IFL Announces 2013 Team Awards". OurSportsCentral. Indoor Football League. June 25, 2013. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
160. ^ "Tri-Cities Fever Earn Two IFL Team Awards". Nonstop Local News. June 24, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
161. ^ "Tri-Cities Fever Named IFL Franchise of the Year". Nonstop Local News. July 1, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
162. ^ "2017 Indoor Football League Awards". SportsCoastToCoast. July 8, 2017.
163. ^ Graves, Heather (August 23, 2018). "Blizzard named IFL Franchise of the Year". The Business News. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
164. ^ "Rattlers Fans, Organization, and Sidewinders Honored by IFL". OurSportsCentral. Arizona Rattlers. July 3, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
165. ^ "IFL ANNOUNCES 2021 LEAGUE AWARDS". Indoor Football League. October 4, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
166. ^ "IFL ANNOUNCES 2022 TEAM AWARDS". Indoor Football League. August 12, 2022. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
167. ^ Van Beek, Eric; Howe, Tyler (August 7, 2023). "THE IFL ANNOUNCES 2023 TEAM AWARDS". Indoor Football League. Retrieved February 26, 2025.
168. ^ Zientek, Dakota; Van Beek, Eric (August 20, 2024). "THE IFL ANNOUNCES 2024 TEAM AWARDS". Indoor Football League. Retrieved February 26, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Indoor Football League.

* Official website
* IFL Annual Award Winners

* v
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Indoor Football League

2025 season

Eastern Conference|

* Fishers Freight
* Green Bay Blizzard
* Iowa Barnstormers
* Jacksonville Sharks
* Massachusetts Pirates
* Quad City Steamwheelers
* Tulsa Oilers

Western Conference|

* Arizona Rattlers
* Bay Area Panthers
* Northern Arizona Wranglers
* San Antonio Gunslingers
* San Diego Strike Force
* Tucson Sugar Skulls
* Vegas Knight Hawks

Dormant teams|

* Buffalo Destroyers (2026)
* Dakota Bucks (2026)
* Duke City Gladiators (2026)
* Frisco Fighters (2026)
* Sioux Falls Storm (2026)

Seasons|

* Seasons
* by team
* IFL National Championship
* champions

History|

* Merger
* Intense Football League (2004–2008)
* champions
* United Indoor Football (2005–2008)
* champions
* 2008 National Indoor Bowl

Related|

* Awards

* v
* t
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IFL National Championship

Games|

| 2000s|

* 2009

|

2010s|

* 2010
* 2011
* 2012
* 2013
* 2014
* 2015
* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019

2020s|

* ~~2020~~
* 2021
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Related|

| People|

* Champions

|

Awards, trophies, records|

* Most Valuable Players

* v
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American football in the United States

History|

| Early|

* American Football Union
* Intercollegiate Football Association
* National Football League (1902)
* New York Pro Football League
* Ohio League
* Western Pennsylvania Professional Football Circuit
* World Series of Football (1902–03)

|

Modern|

| Major|

* All-America Football Conference
* American Football League (1926)
* American Football League
* American Football League (1936)
* American Football League (1940)
* United States Football League
* World Football League

|

Minor|

* Alliance of American Football
* American Association
* Anthracite League
* Atlantic Coast Football League
* Continental Football League
* Dixie League
* Midwest Football League
* NFL Europe
* Pacific Coast Professional Football League
* United Football League (1961–1964)
* United Football League
* United States Football League
* XFL (2001)
* XFL (2020)

Developmental|

* The Spring League
* Your Call Football

Halls of fame|

* Professional
* College
* Arena
* Indoor

Professional|

| NFL|

* History
* Playoffs
* AFC Championship Game
* NFC Championship Game
* Pro Bowl
* Super Bowl

|

Other outdoor|

* American 7s Football League
* United Football League

Indoor leagues|

* American Arena League
* Arena Football Association
* American West Football Conference
* Arena Football League
* American Indoor Football
* Champions Indoor Football
* Indoor Football League
* National Arena League
* Great Lakes Arena Football
* Fan Controlled Football

Proposed leagues|

* American Patriot League
* American Spring Football League
* Freedom Football League
* The Arena League

Related topics|

* Researchers Association

College|

| NCAA|

| FBS|

* National championship
* Playoff National Championship
* Playoff
* Bowl game

|

FCS|

* Championship

Other|

* NAIA
* National Championship
* NJCAA
* Championship
* National Signing Day

Junior|

| High school|

* High School Football National Championship
* National Federation of State High School Associations
* National Signing Day

|

Youth / middle|

* American Youth Football
* Pop Warner

Women's|

* Extreme Football League
* United States Women's Football League
* Women's Football Alliance
* Women's National Football Conference

International|

* USA Football
* National men's team
* National women's team

Related|

* List of American football films
* Donald Trump and American football

* Category
* Commons
* Portal

* v
* t
* e

Professional gridiron football leagues in North America

American football

| Major|

* National Football League (1920–present)

|

Other|

* American 7s Football League (2015-present)
* Liga de Fútbol Americano Profesional (2016–present)
* United Football League (2024–present)

Defunct national|

* American Football League (1926)²
* American Football League (1936–1937)²
* American Football League (1940–1941)
* All-America Football Conference² (1945–1949)
* American Football League (1960–1969)¹
* Continental Football League (1965–1969)
* World Football League (1974–1975)
* United States Football League (1983–1985)
* World League of American Football/NFL Europe/NFL Europa³
* XFL (2001)
* United Football League (2009–2012)
* Alliance of American Football (2019)
* Fútbol Americano de México (2019–2022)
* XFL (2020, 2023)*
* United States Football League (2022–2023)*

Defunct regional|

* American Football Union (1886–1895)
* Western Pennsylvania Professional Football Circuit** (1890–1905)
* Ohio League² (1902–1919)
* New York Pro Football League² (1908–1919)
* National Football League (1902)
* Anthracite League² (1924)
* Eastern League of Professional Football (1926–1927)
* American Football League (1934)
* Midwest Football League (1935–1940)
* Dixie League³ (1936–1947)
* American Association (American football)³
* American Football League (1938–1939)
* Eastern Pennsylvania Football League (1938)
* Pacific Coast Professional Football League³ (1940–1948)
* American Football League (1944)
* American Football League (1946–1950)³
* American Football Conference (1959–1961)
* United Football League (1961–1964)
* Atlantic Coast Football League³ (1962–1973)
* Midwest Football League (1962–1978)
* Professional Football League of America (1965–1967)
* Texas Football League (1966–1971)
* Seaboard Football League (1971–1974)
* American Football Association (1977–1983)
* Regional Football League (1999)
* Spring Football League (2000)
* World Football League (2008–2010)
* Stars Football League (2011–2013)
* Fall Experimental Football League (2014–2016)

* ¹ Merged into the NFL. All teams still active as members of the NFL's American Football Conference.
* ² Teams moved to NFL
* ³ Official NFL minor league; see also Association of Professional Football Leagues
* * Merged into the UFL, still active as conferences within

Canadian football

| Major|

* Canadian Football League

|

Predecessors|

* Direct
* Interprovincial Rugby Football Union
* Western Interprovincial Football Union
* Other
* Ontario Rugby Football Union
* Quebec Rugby Football Union

Junior|

* Atlantic Football League
* Canadian Junior Football League
* Quebec Junior Football League

Arena football

| Current|

* American Arena League 2
* Arena Football One
* American Indoor Football
* Indoor Football League
* National Arena League
* The Arena League
* United Indoor Football Association

|

Defunct|

* American Indoor Football Alliance
* American Professional Football League
* American West Football Conference
* Arena Football Association
* Arena Football League (1987–2008, 2010–2019)
* Arena Football League (2024)
* arenafootball2
* Arena Pro Football
* Can-Am Indoor Football League
* Champions Indoor Football
* Champions Professional Indoor Football League
* Continental Indoor Football League
* Great Lakes Arena Football
* Independent Indoor Football Alliance
* Indoor Football League (1999–2000)
* Indoor Professional Football League
* Intense Football League
* Lone Star Football League
* National Indoor Football League
* Professional Indoor Football League (1998)
* Professional Indoor Football League (2012)
* Southern Indoor Football League
* Supreme Indoor Football
* Ultimate Indoor Football League
* United Indoor Football
* X-League Indoor Football
* World Indoor Football League (2007)
* World Series of Football (1902–03)

On hiatus|

* Fan Controlled Football

Women's football

| Outdoor|

* Women's Football Alliance (2009–present)
* United States Women's Football League (2009–present)
* Women's National Football Conference (2018–present)

|

Defunct Outdoor|

* Women's Professional Football League (1965–1973)
* National Women's Football League (1974–1982)
* Women's Professional Football League (1999–2007)
* National Women's Football Association (2000–2008)
* Independent Women's Football League (2000-2018)

Arena football|

* X League (2009-present)

* v
* t
* e

Top-level professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada

Men's|

| Majors|

* Major League Baseball
* National Basketball Association
* National Football League
* National Hockey League
* Major League Soccer
* Canadian Football League

|

Other top-flight leagues|

* Canadian Premier League
* Major League Cricket
* Arena football
* AF1
* IFL
* National Lacrosse League
* Premier Lacrosse League
* USA Rugby League
* Major League Rugby
* Premier Rugby Sevens
* Major Arena Soccer League
* Ultimate Frisbee Association
* National Volleyball Association

Women's|

| Majors|

* Women's National Basketball Association
* National Women's Soccer League
* Professional Women's Hockey League

|

Other top-flight leagues|

* Women's Pro Baseball League
* Women's Football Alliance
* Women's Lacrosse League
* National Ringette League
* Women's Elite Rugby
* Premier Rugby Sevens
* Soccer
* USLS
* NSL
* Softball
* AUSL
* WPF
* Ultimate
* PUL
* WUL
* Volleyball
* LOVB Pro
* Major League Volleyball

Others|

| Individual|

* Bowling
* PBA
* PWBA
* Bull riding
* PBR
* WPRA
* Golf
* PGA Tour
* LPGA
* Tennis
* ATP
* WTA

|

Motorsports|

* IndyCar Series
* NASCAR Cup Series

Other|

* Major League Eating

* USA
* Canada

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