Massachusetts Pirates to relocate to Orlando, becoming Orlando Pirates beginning 2026

The Orlando Pirates will host home games at the Kia Center in Orlando, marking an exciting new era for one of the league’s most successful and respected organizations.

The Massachusetts Pirates, one of the premier teams in the Indoor Football League (IFL), has announced the relocation of the franchise to Orlando, where it will debut as the Orlando Pirates for the 2026 season. The team will play its home games at Orlando’s Kia Center, marking a new chapter for the championship-winning organization.

The move, formally announced by the the Indoor Football League (IFL), reflects a strategic decision to align the team with one of the nation’s most vibrant and fast-growing sports markets.

With a commitment to community engagement, local partnerships, and an exciting game-day atmosphere, the Orlando Pirates will bring IFL football to Central Florida fans for the first time.

“This relocation represents both growth and opportunity — for the Pirates organization, for the Indoor Football League, and for the passionate sports community of Orlando,” said IFL Commissioner Todd Tryon.

Keep up to date with the latest sports news from Orlando. The City Beautiful is home to the Orlando Magic, Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Solar Bears, UCF Knights, and more. Plus, the city hosts regular big game action at Camping World Stadium, including the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl, and the StaffDNA Cure Bowl.

Founded in 2017 by Jawad Yatim, the Pirates quickly established themselves as one of indoor football’s premier programs.

The franchise captured the 2021 IFL National Championship, appeared in multiple conference title games, and consistently maintained one of the league’s most competitive rosters and fan experiences. The team’s move to Florida builds on that success while opening doors to new fans, partners, and opportunities for growth.

“There’s really nowhere else we’d rather be as an organization than the city of Orlando,” said Jawad Yatim, founder, chief executive officer and general manager of the Orlando Pirates. “I’ve always admired the enthusiasm and engagement that surrounded the product from a distance and when the opportunity presented itself to integrate the Pirates within the Central Florida region, we didn’t hesitate to do so. We have a responsibility to the people of this community to deliver a product they can be proud of and we won’t take that obligation lightly.”

The Pirates plan to actively compose their roster of native talent, bringing local athletes and familiar faces back home to play in front of their families and supporters. Additionally, the Orlando Pirates have named Rob Keefe as head coach. Keefe formerly served as head coach of the Orlando Predators for three seasons from 2014 to 2016, guiding the team to three straight playoff appearances and two division titles. Keefe has a career spanning more than 20 years in arena football, including numerous championships as both a player and coach.

The Pirates are taking inspiration from Orlando’s vibrant sports community, aiming to bring the same electric, family-oriented atmosphere seen at Orlando City Soccer Club, the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Solar Bears to the arena football stage.

With dynamic game-day entertainment, affordable ticket options and a focus on community engagement, the Orlando Pirates intend to make arena football a must-see event for local families and sports fans alike.

Tickets:

Tickets for individual games start at $19.99, with tickets available at the Kia Center box office or Ticketmaster.com. 

For Kia Center box office and ticket information, visit KiaCenter.com (phone purchases are unavailable through the Kia Center box office).

Kia Center is located at 400 West Church Street and the box office is located on the north side of the Kia Center, near the intersection of Church Street and Hughey Avenue. 

Season ticket deposits for 2026 are available now and orders can be placed at OrlandoPirates.com or call 407 440 7900 for additional ticketing information and inquiries.

Fans are also encouraged to visit “The Bay,” the franchise’s new online team store at OrlandoPirates.Shop, offering Pirates apparel and exclusive memorabilia.

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