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West Valley City • A Maverik Center-based franchise in the Indoor Football League will begin play in 2017, owners announced here at a Thursday afternoon press conference.
The yet-to-be-named Utah team will be the IFL's 11th and join franchises that also include the Colorado Crush, the Billings Wolves, the Spokane Empire and the Tri Cities (Wash.) Fever, among others.
The IFL season runs from February into July. Each team has a 25-player roster, including 21 who are activated for each game. Players are paid $250 per game, plus room and board during the season.
Utah has been without an indoor team since the Utah Blaze of the Arena Football League were dissolved following the 2013 season.
One difference between the new IFL team and the Blaze will be the use of technology to involve the fans.
According to Sohrob Farudi, the founder and CEO of the ownership group operating under the umbrella of Project FANchise, fans will have unparalleled access and input into the team's operation. They will decide the mascot and logo. Eventually, they will help determine the roster and call plays during games, thanks to new software technology.
"Today is an incredibly exciting day for the millions of sports fans who have always dreamed of running their beloved team," Farudi said. "We are empowering fans to make real decisions — to be part of the team. This is the start of a new era of fandom, designed to give fans true, legitimate power."
IFL commissioner Michael Allshouse called the planned use of technology to involve fans in Utah "the wave of the future. … We are excited about being in his community and market."
Salt Lake was picked over Oklahoma City, Boise, Austin, Tex., and Independence, Mo., as the home for the IFL's newest franchise.
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