In a previous article, we discussed the legacy franchises from the past that made the game great, but today we recognize those that have been around and still take the field to this day. It takes great dedication, decision-making, and a solid foundation to keep any franchise around for the long haul. Some of these teams have been around for 20+ seasons and are staples of the community they play in. While championships do play a factor in the ranking, it’s not everything. We ranked these franchises based on longevity, championships, fan support, and league legitimacy. While the list of legacy franchises isn’t just limited to these teams, in our humble opinions, these are the best there is.
Table of Contents
1)Arizona Rattlers
First Season: 1992
Championships: (7) 5 Arena Bowls 1994,1997, 2012-2014 2 United Bowl/IFL NC 2017 & 2024
Leagues: (2) AFL & IFL
If there is a brand that represents everything indoor and Arena football it’s the Arizona Rattlers. This is the only franchise that has seen every single era arena football has had to offer. From the humble beginnings in 1992, all the way to the insane IFL National Championship run in 2024, they have always been competitive, from the original short schedule Arena Football league, to the Reboot post 2009, to now the IFL, all led by a legendary Head Coach that has also coached and seen every form of the game, all the way back to the days of the af2. In terms of legacy franchises, there is no team that stands above the Rattlers.
Similar to the second team on this list, they rarely have losing seasons, in fact, they have more total league championships than losing seasons, with only three compared to seven league championships. In the modern day this is the single most recognizable brand to even the most casual fan, but below the surface is a major driver of the sport. Arizona plays in one of the biggest arenas in the sport but has no problem filling it out, the head signal caller Kevin Guy has enough pull to threaten to fire entire official crews and live to coach another game.
They are one of only a few teams that will play this sport until the day it officially is no more! And how would you know it’s no more? Because Arizona was no more, this franchise book marked 30 years as a team by winning titles in 1994 and 2024, in two different versions of the sport, they aren’t going anywhere! Long live the fifty-yard game, and long live the longest-running, most dominant, and fun to watch Arena (now indoor) football team in history.
2)Omaha Beef
First Season: 2000
Championships: (3) CIF 2021, 2023 NAL 2024
Leagues: (7) IPFL, NIFL, UIF, IFL, CPIFL, CIF & NAL
We have introduced you to the kings of Top Tier indoor football, so let’s introduce the kings of the second tier, the Beef. This team through all the ups and downs has never missed a non-COVID season since 2000. They are one of the longest running indoor football teams in any league, and have built a legacy that fans can hang their hat on. They began in the very short-lived IPFL as somewhat of a contender, going 8-8 in that first season, they would play 2002 in the NIFL and so on, going on to be charter members of the CPIFL and CIF.
During this span, there wasn’t as much of a legacy to speak of as there is now. Yes, they were a solid playoff team, year in and year out, but that was about as far as it went. Starting in 2017 though, things picked up, and in a hurry. As they sit they are the cornerstone, and king of the NAL, winning two straight NAL Championships, and haven’t missed a playoff berth since going 7-5 in a strong CIF in 2016. From 2021 through 2025 they have gone 46-10, while playing in or winning a championship through two different leagues.
Not only have they come on strong as of late, but they have also held fast and never forgotten who they are, maintaining the strong ties to the Omaha area that have kept them going this long. This is the only team in the NAL you will see active as they are in their community, sponsoring a podcast, and making sure they are known. To give a real perspective on who this team is, they are a part of the longest-running rivalry in this sport with number 4 on this list, something they and the Bandits have made a point to keep going. Just like with Arizona, this one team that will never go away.
And to top it all off? They have the single most unique field in all of the indoor game, a blindingly bright orange field with their logos and enzones in oversized font making sure you know you’re in the one and only Slaughter House.
3)Jacksonville Sharks
First Season: 2010
Championships: 2011(AFL) 2017 2019 & 2023 (NAL)
Leagues: (3)AFL, NAL, and IFL
Jacksonville may not have been playing as long as any other team on this list, but the impact and stability they have brought to any of the three leagues they have played in speaks for itself. When it comes to building a legacy, in the case of the Sharks, it is quality and not quantity that makes their success so impressive. Being born into the second version of the Arena Football League, helping to start the National Arena League, and giving the Indoor Football League a strong foothold to build on in the southeast, every single move this franchise has made, has been to build.
Even when they just began in 2010, they stormed out of the gate at 12-4, setting a record for the most wins for an expansion franchise in the AFL. Not only were they winning, they had wild fan support, sitting at the very top or a close second in average attendance in the AFL until they left for NAL in 2016, and then again in the NAL.
In the time in the AFL, they would win, and win a lot amassing an 80-55 record, 8-5 playoff Record, and winning the 2011 title, Arena Bowl XXIV, over current IFL foe Arizona. In 2017 they would move to the NAL, and continue their winning ways, running through the NAL to a title in 2017, 2019, and 2023, the league may have expanded and contracted but they stayed steadfast with playoff runs and pure dominance (just ask the Columbus Lions).
All of this had led up to where they currently sit, and have been the last two seasons, in the IFL. Moving up to a league with better, more competitive teams saw a 3-13 season, but it has also seen a playoff run, albeit short. Do expect them to win an IFL National Championship before too long though. Just like with several teams on this list, they are loved by their community, and have a podcast dedicated to them, Inside the Sharks.
4)Sioux City Bandits
First Season: 2000 ( As Attack)
Championships: (3) APFL 2011, 2012 CIF 2015
Leagues: (8) IFL (Original IFL), NIFL, UIF, IFL, APFL, CPIFL, CIF & NAL
Since their humble, but strong, start in the original Indoor Football League in 2000 Sioux City has been the epitome of consistency. They may not have the talent some other teams have but they rarely field a team that isn’t competitive, from 2011 until missing in 2025, they had made the playoffs. Alongside the Beef, the Bandits have not only built a legacy, but they have built one of the most well known rivalries in the sport. The I-29 Rivalry has only helped cement the legacy of both of these teams.
The biggest driver is ERV STROHBEEN, the long-time head coach, 14 seasons to be exact. Before his time on the sideline, he played 90 games for Sioux City. As mentioned before the titles haven’t piled up but there have been a few to mention, including winning the first Championship Bowl in 2015 over a strong CIF field.
Many efforts have been made to strengthen things off the field, including ensuring they have a digital imprint, recruiting as good as any NAL team, like most long-standing teams, and making sure their community is just as much a part of the team as the men on the sideline. They have cemented themselves as another strong anchor in the NAL and will be as long as the game is played.
5) Iowa Barnstormers
First Season: (Current Continues Version) 2008
Championships: (1) 2018 IFL United Bowl
Leagues: (3) af2, AFL & IFL
When you think about historical arena football teams, the Iowa Barnstormers and Kurt Warner are near the top. While this isn’t about the Original franchise, it is about the only team on this list to take the field under the Banner of the af2, AFL, and IFL. First starting (the fourth and current version) in 2008 in the af2, they would be welcomed back, sustaining attendance over 9,000 a game and ranking in or at the top three of af2 teams in 2008 and 2009. With Iowa, their legacy is not necessarily the near spotless record of teams like Omaha and Arizona. In fact what has built this legacy into what it is today is brand awareness.
Following the collapse of the original AFL, they would launch the new version (2.0) in 2010. They wouldn’t have much success at all at 31-57 in the AFL, never having a winning season, the best coming in 2010 at 7-9. By the end of the 2014 season, the cracks were beginning to show in the foundation of AFL 2.0 and Iowa would be the first of several teams to make a jump, a change of ruleset, and head for greener pastures in the Indoor Football League.
The less-than-stellar play would continue at 10-20 the first two seasons in the IFL.2017 would see a zero-to-hero turn around at 13 wins, before finally claiming a league title in the 2018 United Bowl. This team makes the list mostly because of its historical value, and not for the on-field play, aside from a recent playoff streak, they rest solely on the fact that the franchise has just been around for a while, with an overall record that is barely above .500 and dangerously close to going under. We all can hope ownership can find a solid combo of coaching and resources and push this franchise back into some kind of greatness.
Honorable Mention:
Green Bay Blizzard
First Season: 2003
For all the Blizz fans out there, I’ll be frank, the reason you’re below Iowa is a lack of literally any league titles despite being around since 2003. However, if Iowa continues it’s losing ways despite hiring Andre Coles, this hierarchy could change quickly. Green Bay has recently found success on the heels of discovering quarterbacks like Jarome Johnson, and Max Meylor. However both men are no longer in GB, and they also lost back-up QB/WR1 Tj Davis to the CFL leaving a gaping hole and plenty of questions about the Blizzard’s future.
Outside of the lack of titles, the Blizzard does have a fairly rich history, since their humble 2-14 beginning they have slowly grown into a power in the indoor football league (at least the past couple of seasons). After the poor inaugural and second seasons they would be a playoff contender all the way to the end of the AF2, winning at least one playoff game from 2006 until 2009.
Following 2009 they would nearly fold; only being saved by a solid ownership group buy-in. They would also avoid having to league jump again by opting for the then smaller Market IFL for the 2010 season. Initially having success, two 10+ win seasons, but falling off soon after and missing the playoffs from 2013 until 2019. As of recent they have made a complete turn towards producing better on-field results, The Larry and Kathy Treankler (since 2013) owned program had definitely turned a corner since the canceled Covid season, coming out of 2023 they earned Community Relations of the Year and Franchise of the Year.
Not only that they also have a podcast dedicated to the team and a huge impact that isn’t limited to meet and greets, but full-fledged community projects. Overall the history isn’t anything to write home about but Green Bay has been a force since 2024 with a 26-11 record and Eastern Conference championship. 23 years as a team (and 13 with the loudest owners and fans in the IFL) is still something to be cherished in a sport that has a history of anything but stability.
Columbus Lions
First Season: 2007
The Lions won’t get near the same attention as other long-standing teams mostly because of their inability to compete at even a second-tier level. They have won plenty of titles, but mostly in crumbling leagues, for example the 2024 AIF. Most recently bowing out of the NAL and jumping into a smaller but more regionally based league, AAL 2.0 with the Wheeling Miners, Jersey Bearcats, and Mississippi Wolfpack.
Their legacy, to some, should be marked with an asterisk given some of the leagues they have played in. However, credit must be given for the success they have found, even though it has mostly come in leagues that most view as Tier 3. Longevity certainly helps earn them some bonus points in this ranking, but it was not enough to usurp Iowa, or GB.
No disrespect to the organization, coaches, or players that have made this team great, but they are, as we have said in past articles, the Kings of Tier Three. They will most likely always be, as long as there are teams and Ownership groups looking for a league with 4-6 teams and a low cost of entry, you’ll see Columbus acting in that league, the same way Omaha runs the NAL.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, arena football is a business, but when owners, coaches, and communities come together and find just the right balance you can really create something special, just as these franchises have. As mentioned several times, these teams are cornerstones of their leagues and communities, and seemingly will be for years to come, and when the sport returns to the greatness it had in the early 2000s franchises like this will be a big part of the rise and stability!
The only video editing program we use here at Shady Sports, Wondershare Filmora is an invaluable tool that will allow you to break down, and edit video with ease. Now including several AI powered tools that will save you time, and effort along the way. Wondershare offers a free version to download and allow you to learn their setup before committing to purchasing a plan. If you use our link, both of us will receive a discount on the next bill. Use the link below, and start your professional editing career today.
https://filmora.wondershare.com/fission/invite?share_code=26zruGmoGky&referral_id=435&lang=en-us
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support and we hope you continue to tune in!
Also check out our new Live Events channel dedicated to broadcasting any and all games we are able to get the broadcast rights to. We have broadcasted arena football, A7FL, Big 3 Basketball, Flag Football, Boxing, MMA and so much more.
https://www.youtube.com/@ShadySportsNetworkLiveGames
Join the Conversation on Discord, Facebook, or Reddit
Are you on discord or facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues and give us your hot takes. You can also promote your content!
Fantasy Reports Facebook Group
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.