AFL vs IFL

By Brady Ray

In 2024 the Arena Football League will make their return and the Indoor Football League will enter their 16th season. Although they have different styles of play, the product results in a high octane shootout. The AFL favors more of the passing concepts of the game and implementing their own twist on American football. The IFL focuses more on traditional practices of football on a condensed field. Both leagues will feature 16 teams with intertwining schedules from spring into summer. Personally, I enjoy the gridiron familiarity I experience with the indoor game but I’ve also missed the high risk, high flying arena game that ruled my childhood. Truly, this is the best time to be a fan of alternative football.

Many questions are still surrounding the AFL such as confirmed TV partners, jersey manufacturers, and the whereabouts of the Georgia Force. Despite some negativity the league has received online, Commissioner Lee Hutton along with myself  remain positive and optimistic about the league. Reviving a league with such a storied history is commendable and the support of the fans is a must for this to succeed.

That’s not to take anything away from the IFL as I’ve enjoyed their product in the absence of arena football. The IFL has consistently put out a great product year in and year out without catastrophic mismanagement that has plagued the AFL in the past. Expansion is also on the horizon for both leagues spreading their net even further. While some might feel the need to pick an allegiance, I’m here to implore fans to support both leagues in the upcoming season. 

Competition breeds excellence and with two major arena/indoor leagues in the fold, the quality of football possible is unimaginable. The surplus of teams provides more players an opportunity to continue their football dream. The merging of the USFL and XFL also provided more free agents to the potential pool with their reduction of teams. 

Both leagues will be vying for the attention of the spring football viewer and celebrating their differences will go a long way. The styles of football displayed give the traditional fan something different and create an entire new fan that may not have liked outdoor football. The opportunities these two leagues provide for athletes all across the country is nothing short of heroic and the experience they give to the fans is unmatched. With the advances of social media and streaming services, the access to the sport is virtually at your fingertips while the at-game experience is just as up close and personal for the viewer. The moral of the story is that together they are more.