What Is 2014 Indoor Football League season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Indoor Football League (IFL) season ran from February 22 to July 12, 2014, featuring 11 teams. The Nebraska Danger defeated the Sioux Falls Storm 76–61 in the United Bowl to win their first championship.

Key Facts

The 2014 IFL season began on February 22 and concluded with the United Bowl on July 12.
Eleven teams competed in the 2014 IFL regular season, down from 13 the previous year.
The Nebraska Danger won their first IFL championship by defeating the Sioux Falls Storm 76–61.
Quarterback Arvell Nelson of the Nebraska Danger was named United Bowl MVP.
The Sioux Falls Storm had won the previous four United Bowls before their 2014 loss.

Overview

The 2014 Indoor Football League season marked the sixth year of operation for the IFL, a professional indoor football league based primarily in the United States. The season featured an 11-team lineup and ran from February 22 to July 12, culminating in the United Bowl, the league's championship game.

Despite franchise changes and team departures prior to the season, the IFL maintained competitive balance and strong regional attendance. The Nebraska Danger emerged as champions, defeating the heavily favored Sioux Falls Storm in a high-scoring finale.

Regular season start date: The 2014 IFL season kicked off on February 22, 2014, with multiple games across the league’s central and western divisions.
Number of teams: A total of 11 teams participated in the 2014 season, down from 13 in 2013 due to the departure of the Tri-Cities Fever and the Texas Revolution.
Championship game: The United Bowl V was held on July 12, 2014, at the Sioux Falls Arena in South Dakota, where the Nebraska Danger claimed their first title.
Final score: The Nebraska Danger defeated the Sioux Falls Storm 76–61, marking one of the highest-scoring championship games in IFL history.
MVP performance:Arvell Nelson, quarterback for the Danger, threw for 243 yards and five touchdowns, earning United Bowl MVP honors.

How It Works

The Indoor Football League operates with a unique blend of arena-style rules, regional scheduling, and a playoff structure culminating in the United Bowl. Each team plays a balanced schedule followed by divisional playoffs.

Regular Season Format: Each team played a 14-game regular season from February to June, with matchups determined by divisional alignment and regional proximity to reduce travel costs.
Playoff Structure: The top four teams from each division—the Intense Conference and the United Conference—advanced to a single-elimination postseason tournament.
Game Rules: IFL games consist of four 15-minute quarters with a 30-second play clock, played on a 50-yard indoor field with rebound boards.
Player Eligibility: Rosters include a mix of veterans and rookies, with 19 active players per game and salary caps designed to maintain competitive equity.
Championship Game: The United Bowl is hosted by the higher-seeded team and features the conference champions competing for the league title.
Officiating: Each game is managed by a crew of five referees who enforce IFL-specific rules, including no kickoffs and one-foot-inbounds for catches.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between the two United Bowl finalists in the 2014 IFL season:

Statistic	Nebraska Danger	Sioux Falls Storm
Regular Season Record	11–3	12–2
Points Scored (Regular Season)	832	914
Points Allowed (Regular Season)	624	488
Playoff Wins	2	1
United Bowl Points	76	61

The Sioux Falls Storm entered the United Bowl as favorites, boasting a better regular season record and stronger defense. However, the Nebraska Danger’s explosive offense, led by quarterback Arvell Nelson and wide receiver Duane Brown, overwhelmed the Storm in the championship game, setting a United Bowl record for combined points.

Why It Matters

The 2014 IFL season was pivotal in establishing the league’s credibility and expanding its national footprint. With high-scoring games and growing media coverage, the IFL continued to position itself as a viable alternative to other indoor leagues.

Historic victory: The Nebraska Danger’s win marked the first championship in franchise history, boosting fan engagement in central Nebraska.
End of a dynasty: The Sioux Falls Storm’s loss ended their four-year championship streak, the longest in IFL history at the time.
Media exposure: The United Bowl was streamed live on YouTube, increasing national viewership and digital engagement.
Player development: Several 2014 IFL players, including Nelson, later signed with the Arena Football League, showcasing the league’s talent pipeline.
Financial stability: The season saw improved attendance, with average crowds up 8% from 2013, signaling stronger franchise health.
League expansion: The success of the 2014 season led to the addition of two new teams in 2015, including the Colorado Ice.

The 2014 Indoor Football League season demonstrated the league’s resilience and growing appeal, setting the stage for future expansion and increased competition.