From the front office to game day, the 2026 IFL Franchise Awards honor the people and organizations making an impact across every area of the league.
The Indoor Football League is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 Franchise Awards, recognizing the teams and individuals whose work off the field helped elevate the league throughout the season.
Green Bay Blizzard, Franchise of the Year
The Green Bay Blizzard earn Franchise of the Year honors after a standout season across all areas of the organization. From success on the field to continued growth off it, Green Bay set a high standard throughout 2026 while strengthening its presence in the community and creating an environment that continues to move the franchise forward.
Rob Foley, Vegas Knight Hawks, Executive of the Year
Rob Foley of the Vegas Knight Hawks has been named the 2026 IFL Executive of the Year. Foley's leadership and work behind the scenes have played an important role in the continued growth of the Knight Hawks organization. His commitment to building a strong franchise both on and off the field, along with Vegas' continued success, earned him Executive of the Year honors.
Krystal Soto, Tucson Sugar Skulls, John Pettit Person of the Year
Tucson Sugar Skulls Vice President Krystal Soto has been named the 2026 John Pettit Person of the Year, one of the IFL's most meaningful individual honors. The award recognizes someone whose dedication and impact extend far beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. Through her leadership in Tucson, willingness to help others and commitment to the league and those around her, Soto embodies the character and dedication the John Pettit Person of the Year award represents.
Fishers Freight, Best Game Operations
The Fishers Freight earn Best Game Operations for delivering one of the league's top in-arena experiences throughout the 2026 season. From pregame introductions and entertainment to promotions, music and fan engagement, Fishers created an atmosphere that kept fans involved from the moment they entered the arena through the final whistle. The Freight's attention to detail and execution helped turn each home game into more than just the action on the field.
Arizona Rattlers, Best Cheer/Dance Team
The Arizona Rattlers earn Best Cheer/Dance Team for their performances, professionalism and impact on the overall game-day experience. The team brought energy to the arena throughout the season with performances that complemented the action on the field while consistently engaging with fans and representing the Rattlers organization.
Iowa Barnstormers, Best Community Relations
The Iowa Barnstormers earn Best Community Relations for making their presence felt throughout the community beyond game day. Through appearances, outreach initiatives and relationships with local organizations, Iowa continued to use its platform to connect with fans and give back to the community it represents.
Vegas Knight Hawks, Best Hospitality
The Vegas Knight Hawks earn Best Hospitality for setting the standard in how visiting teams and league personnel were welcomed and accommodated throughout the 2026 season. From arrival through game day, Vegas consistently provided a professional and organized experience, with attention to the details that help teams and staff operate at their best while on the road.
Orlando Pirates, Best Digital Presence
The Orlando Pirates earn Best Digital Presence after establishing a strong online identity during their inaugural season. Through an up-to-date website and consistent, engaging social media presence, Orlando kept fans informed and connected while building the digital voice of the league's newest franchise.
Goldie, Tulsa Oilers, Best Mascot
Goldie of the Tulsa Oilers earns Best Mascot after bringing personality, energy and entertainment to Oilers game days throughout the season. From interacting with fans to adding to the atmosphere inside the arena, Goldie became an unmistakable part of the Tulsa experience.
Vegas Knight Hawks, Best Photography
The Vegas Knight Hawks earn Best Photography for consistently delivering high-quality imagery throughout the 2026 season. Their photography captured the action, emotion and atmosphere of IFL football while meeting the league's photography standards and providing strong visual coverage throughout the year.
San Diego Strike Force, Best Graphic Design
The San Diego Strike Force earn Best Graphic Design for a creative and consistent visual identity throughout the season. San Diego's work combined strong branding with eye-catching designs that helped promote its players, games and organization while standing out across digital platforms.
These awards recognize the work that happens throughout an IFL organization long before kickoff and continues well after the final whistle. From the fan experience and community impact to leadership, creativity and digital storytelling, the 2026 winners helped raise the standard across the Indoor Football League.
Originally published by the Indoor Football League. Imported as a draft for editorial review.