The Evolution of the Indoor Football League
The Indoor Football League (IFL) was founded in 2008 through the merger of the United Indoor Football League (UIF) and the Intense Football League (IFL), uniting two successful organizations under a single banner. The league’s inaugural 2009 season featured 19 teams, culminating with the Billings Outlaws defeating the River City Rage to capture the first-ever United Bowl Championship.
Since that time, the IFL has evolved into America’s longest-running indoor football league — outlasting competitors, expanding its national footprint, and delivering a proven platform for elite athletes and passionate fanbases. The league’s 10th anniversary season in 2018 marked a major milestone, breaking attendance records and setting the stage for a new era of innovation and growth.
In 2020, the IFL entered a landmark partnership with the Steve Germain Family, bringing new resources and leadership across sponsorship, advertising, broadcast rights, licensing, and marketing. This strategic alliance elevated the league’s national visibility and cemented its reputation as the premier professional indoor football league in the United States.
The 2025 season — the league’s 17th — became the most successful in IFL history, highlighted by record attendance, expanded partnerships, and unprecedented national exposure. That success was amplified by the league’s introduction of sports betting partnerships, offering fans new ways to engage through predictive gaming and interactive platforms.
As part of its long-term vision, the IFL National Championship found a new home in Tucson, Arizona, where it will be hosted through the 2027 season. This three-year commitment provides a premier stage for the league’s biggest event and an exceptional championship experience for fans, players, and partners alike.
The IFL has also embraced cutting-edge technology, launching the IFL Network — powered by Visaic — to deliver high-quality broadcasts and on-demand content across web, mobile, and app-based platforms.
Now, as the league prepares to enter its 18th season, the IFL stands on the precipice evolution and excellence . 2026 will usher in a new era for the sport of indoor football. The momentum has never been stronger — and the next chapter is just beginning.