What Is 2016 Indoor Football League season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 Indoor Football League (IFL) season ran from February 27 to July 17, featuring 10 teams across the United States. The Sioux Falls Storm completed a perfect 16-0 season and won their ninth consecutive United Bowl championship, defeating the Arizona Rattlers 55-34 in the final.

Key Facts

The 2016 IFL season began on February 27 and concluded with United Bowl XI on July 17
Ten teams competed in the 2016 IFL season, down from 12 in 2015
Sioux Falls Storm finished with a perfect 16-0 record, the only undefeated team in IFL history
The United Bowl XI was held in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a 55-34 final score
Quarterback Lorenzo Brown of the Sioux Falls Storm was named MVP of United Bowl XI

Overview

The 2016 Indoor Football League season marked the eighth year of the league's modern era, featuring ten professional indoor football teams competing across the United States. The season began on February 27 and culminated in United Bowl XI on July 17, where the Sioux Falls Storm claimed their ninth consecutive title.

This season was notable for the Storm's unprecedented undefeated run, finishing 16-0 and becoming the only team in IFL history to complete a perfect season. The Arizona Rattlers returned as finalists, continuing their dominance in the league despite falling short in the championship game.

February 27, 2016: The regular season kicked off with games in Bemidji, Minnesota, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, marking the official start of the 2016 campaign.
10 teams: The league featured ten franchises, including the expansion Bemidji Axemen and the return of the Green Bay Blizzard after a one-year hiatus.
Sioux Falls Storm: The Storm entered the season as seven-time defending champions and extended their streak by winning United Bowl XI in dominant fashion.
Regular season length: Each team played a 14-game schedule, with the top four teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs.
United Bowl XI: Hosted at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the championship drew over 10,000 fans for the final.

How It Works

The Indoor Football League operates under a structured format combining regular-season play with a postseason tournament to determine a champion. The 2016 season followed this model, with specific rules and scheduling protocols to ensure competitive balance.

Regular Season: Each of the ten teams played 14 games from late February to mid-June, with scheduling based on regional alignment to reduce travel costs.
Playoff Format: The top four teams in each conference (United and Intense) qualified for the postseason, with seeding determined by win-loss record and tiebreakers.
Indoor Rules: Games are played on a 50-yard field with rebound nets, eight players per side, and a 25-second play clock to maintain fast-paced action.
Championship Game: United Bowl XI was held on July 17, 2016, and featured the Sioux Falls Storm versus the Arizona Rattlers in a 55-34 victory.
Player Eligibility: Rosters included a mix of experienced veterans and developing talent, with salary caps in place to promote parity across the league.
Game Duration: Matches consist of four 15-minute quarters, with a 20-minute halftime and two 30-second timeouts per team per half.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top five teams in the 2016 IFL season based on win-loss records, playoff results, and key statistics.

Team	Regular Season Record	Playoff Result	Points For	Points Against
Sioux Falls Storm	16-0	Champions (defeated Arizona 55-34)	1,038	482
Arizona Rattlers	12-4	United Bowl Runner-up	967	598
Nebraska Danger	11-5	Lost in Conference Final	912	701
Wichita Falls Nighthawks	7-9	Did not qualify	844	923
Bemidji Axemen	3-13	Did not qualify	689	1,057

The table highlights the dominance of the Sioux Falls Storm, who not only went undefeated but also outscored opponents by a wide margin. In contrast, expansion teams like Bemidji struggled, indicating the competitive gap between established franchises and newcomers.

Why It Matters

The 2016 IFL season was a landmark year that underscored the league's growth and the enduring legacy of elite teams like the Sioux Falls Storm. It also demonstrated the viability of indoor football as a professional sport with dedicated fan bases and structured competition.

Historic Undefeated Season: The Storm became the first and only IFL team to complete a perfect season, cementing their place in indoor football history.
Regional Impact: Teams in markets like Sioux Falls and Green Bay helped sustain interest in indoor football in mid-sized cities with strong local support.
Player Development: The IFL served as a developmental platform for athletes aspiring to higher leagues, including the Arena Football League and NFL.
Championship Exposure: United Bowl XI was broadcast nationally, increasing visibility for the league and its athletes.
Financial Model: The 2016 season demonstrated the sustainability of lower-tier professional football through controlled costs and regional fan engagement.
Legacy Building: The Storm's ninth consecutive title run remains unmatched in professional football, highlighting long-term organizational excellence.

The 2016 Indoor Football League season not only delivered thrilling on-field action but also reinforced the league's role in the broader American football ecosystem.