What Is 2015 Indoor Football League season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Indoor Football League (IFL) season ran from March 7 to August 16, featuring 10 teams across the U.S. The Sioux Falls Storm won their 9th consecutive United Bowl, defeating the Nebraska Danger 63–46 in the championship game.

Key Facts

The 2015 IFL season began on March 7 and concluded with United Bowl IX on August 16
Ten teams competed in the 2015 season, down from 12 in 2014
Sioux Falls Storm defeated Nebraska Danger 63–46 in United Bowl IX
The Storm completed a perfect 14–0 season, marking their 9th straight title
The league averaged approximately 3,200 fans per game during the regular season

Overview

The 2015 Indoor Football League season marked the league's seventh year of operation, featuring a reduced number of teams and a tightly contested playoff race. The season began on March 7 and concluded with United Bowl IX on August 16, showcasing the continued dominance of the Sioux Falls Storm.

This season was notable for its stability amid franchise changes, including the departure of several teams from the previous year. Despite challenges, the IFL maintained a strong regional footprint across the central and western United States, delivering high-scoring games and competitive matchups throughout the schedule.

Sioux Falls Storm completed a perfect 14–0 season, becoming the first team in IFL history to go undefeated and win the title in the same year.
The Nebraska Danger reached United Bowl IX after finishing the regular season 10–4, securing the Western Conference's top seed.
United Bowl IX was held on August 16, 2015, at the Sioux Falls Arena in front of 10,782 fans, setting a league attendance record.
The IFL regular season consisted of a 14-game schedule for each team, down from 16 games in previous years due to league restructuring.
Three teams folded before the season began: the Wichita Wild, Texas Revolution, and San Angelo Bandits, reducing the total to 10 competing franchises.

How It Works

The IFL operates under a modified version of indoor football rules, emphasizing fast-paced gameplay and regional team alignment. The 2015 season followed a conference-based structure with playoff qualification determined by win-loss records.

Regular Season: Each team played 14 games between March and July. The top four teams from each conference advanced to the playoffs based on win percentage.
Playoff Format: The postseason featured quarterfinals, semifinals, and a championship game. Higher seeds hosted each round, providing incentive for strong regular-season performance.
United Bowl: The league championship game, known as the United Bowl, was hosted by the highest remaining seed, continuing the home-field advantage model used since 2013.
Game Rules: IFL games consist of four 15-minute quarters with a 20-minute halftime. Teams play 8-on-8 on a 50-yard field with rebound nets surrounding the playing area.
Player Roster: Each team fields a 20-man active roster per game, with minimum salary requirements set at $150 per game and a weekly team salary cap of $18,500.
Attendance & Revenue: The 2015 season averaged 3,200 fans per game, with Sioux Falls leading the league at over 10,000 per home game.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the top four teams from the 2015 IFL season compared in key performance metrics:

Team	Record	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Sioux Falls Storm	14–0	987	421	Champions (W 63–46)
Nebraska Danger	10–4	738	502	Runner-up
Colorado Ice	10–4	723	544	Lost in Semifinals
Billings Outlaws	9–5	702	588	Lost in Quarterfinals
Wichita Falls Nighthawks	3–11	543	789	Did not qualify

The table highlights the dominance of the Sioux Falls Storm, who led the league in both offensive output and defensive efficiency. Their 987 points scored and 421 points allowed underscored a significant gap between them and the rest of the league, contributing to their championship victory.

Why It Matters

The 2015 IFL season was a pivotal year that demonstrated the league's resilience amid franchise turnover and growing competition from other indoor leagues. It also solidified the Sioux Falls Storm as a dynasty in professional indoor football.

Dynasty Recognition: The Storm’s ninth consecutive title established them as one of the most dominant teams in modern minor league sports history.
League Stability: Despite losing three teams, the IFL maintained operations with balanced conferences and a full playoff structure, signaling organizational maturity.
Television Exposure: Select games were broadcast on CBS Sports Network, increasing national visibility and attracting new sponsors.
Player Development: Several IFL athletes from the 2015 season later signed with NFL or CFL teams, validating the league as a viable development platform.
Attendance Growth: Average attendance increased slightly from 2014, with Sioux Falls averaging over 10,000 fans per game, setting a high benchmark.
Regional Impact: Teams like the Colorado Ice and Nebraska Danger helped expand the sport’s footprint in underserved markets across the Mountain and Great Plains regions.

The 2015 season ultimately reinforced the IFL’s role as a competitive and sustainable alternative to larger football leagues, blending entertainment with athletic excellence.