In 2003, two businessmen in Texas created the six-team Intense Football League. The league grew from six to eight, to ten teams without ever having a game go un-played for five seasons. A year later, several veteran team operators in the Midwest formed a league titled the United Indoor Football Association and enjoyed four years of sucess. During this period, league executives from both sides admired the other's success and a friendship was developed.

In 2008, the suggestion of merger became reality as the two leagues agreed to dissolve their former affiliations to become the new Indoor Football League. 

In the league's inaugural season in 2009, the league competed with 19 active teams.  The Billings Outlaws defeated the River City Rage and were crowned the first United Bowl Champion.

In 2010, the IFL expanded to 25 teams in its second active season. The Billings Outlaws defeated the Sioux Falls Storm to become repeat United Bowl Champions.

2011 brought in new faces and new places to the Indoor Football League. With the addition of new teams in markets such as Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Wyoming, the IFL gave fans more exciting football than ever. The Sioux Falls Storm claimed their first United Bowl trophy as they defeated the Tri-Cities Fever in the United Bowl.

2012 brought an influx of media attention and exposure to the league. The season ended with the Sioux Falls Storm again raising the United Bowl trophy as they defeated the Tri-Cities Fever for a second year in a row.

Celebrating its fifth season of play in 2013 and under the leadership of a new commissioner, the IFL will look to continue to cement its place in America as the preeminent indoor football league in the country.