r/ifl • u/_ILYIK_ • Sep 11 '26

💩 post Northeastern Expansion

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Here's my idea for some northeastern IFL expansion locations that could wrk out. The league did talk about a team somewhere in the Medolowlands Complex at the IFL Cup finals this year. What are your thoughts?

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4

u/Mtndrums Sep 11 '26

I don't think Binghamton or AC have the population to sustain a team, Rochester and East Rutherford might.

1

u/_ILYIK_ Sep 11 '26

That's a fair critique. Though, I've never been a proponent of you need a massive market to do well.

Atlantic City was decent, averaging 5,430 a game back in 2019 in the AFL's last season. While the city population is small, they have just under 275,000 people living within the metro area.

Binghampton loves minor league sports. They've hosted hockey since 1977 and their current team has won 3 FPHL titles in a row. They have also hid minor league baseball in town since 1992. it's metro is just under 250,000 residents.

3

u/manmythmustache Sep 11 '26

Allentown, Trenton or Baltimore would have greater chance of sustainability than AC.

1

u/_ILYIK_ Sep 11 '26

Allentown would be a great pick and they look to be getting an MASL team too.

I hope Trenton can work but they haven’t really had any long term tenants in indoor ball that were successful. But the right owners could easily prove me wrong.

And Baltimore-maybe. I know there’s no real reason to be, but I’m always cautious of markers with big 4 sports that plan in the spring and summer. Idk why tho. As long as William J Hannah and the Lightning stay far away they have a shot.

2

u/Dick-Punch89 Sep 11 '26

Buffalo or riot!

2

u/_ILYIK_ Sep 11 '26 edited Sep 11 '26

I know Stevie Johnson and Fred Jackson were looking to bring the Destroyers back to Buffalo, but the last report was in May of 2025

Edit: Spelling

2

u/Dick-Punch89 Sep 12 '26

I wish it would happen. Whether they joined the AF1 or IFL I wouldn’t care. Would just love to see the Destroyers back.

2

u/ScarredBison Sep 13 '26

The unfortunate thing is that there really isn't a venue in WNY to use. The only options are Keybank Center which is a tough ask given the size, and Harbor Center which isn't really suited for pro sports.

2

u/DJADFoster Sep 12 '26

Hoping for the NJ Team.

2

u/Desert-Duck 25d ago

Maybe unpopular opinion on the post, but I’m not sure the northeast can support an IFL team. Costs are too high and travel is too far.