In a pretty big move for minor league indoor football coverage, the Indoor Football League announced Tuesday that is has reached a deal with YouTube to broadcast all 2017 games live and free online.
According to a press released on the IFL website, the league’s official channel, www.youtube.com/IndoorFootballLeague, will broadcast all games live and will archive games so they can be watched at a later date. They will also have weekly highlight shows and other video content available throughout the season.
The IFL will be the first minor league indoor football league to stream its entire season, including the championship game, online.
“Utilizing the YouTube platform makes it easier than ever for our fans to enjoy our games and remain highly engaged in all aspects of the IFL,” said IFL Commissioner Michael Allshouse said in the press release. “We continue to see a strong desire for more digital video content and this partnership gives football fans around the country even more access to our thrilling sport.”
The 2017 IFL season kicks off on Feb. 16 when the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles host the Nebraska Danger at 9 p.m. EST.
The IFL, in its ninth season, will feature 10 teams, including three former Arena Football League cities. Teams for the 2017 season are the Arizona Rattlers, Cedar Rapids Titans, Colorado Crush, Green Bay Blizzard, Iowa Barnstormers, Nebraska Danger, Salt Lake Screaming Eagles, Sioux Falls Storm, Spokane Empire and Wichita Falls Nighthawks.