The Massachusetts Pirates, one of the premier teams in the Indoor Football League (IFL), has announced the relocation of the franchise to Orlando, FL, 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.

“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.”

Founded in 2017 by Yatim, the Pirates have earned a reputation as one of the most competitive and well-run franchises in arena football. Under the leadership of Yatim and Hassan Yatim (Co-Owner), the organization has produced multiple title appearances, both against the Arizona Rattlers, capturing the Indoor Football League Championship in 2021. 

The move to Orlando represents both a strategic and cultural shift for the franchise — one centered on community, connection and homegrown pride. 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.

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.

Tickets: Starting at $19.99. Reserved. Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. All tickets are reserved. Buy tickets at the Kia Center box office or Ticketmaster.com. All dates, act(s) and ticket prices are subject to change without notice. All tickets are subject to applicable taxes, service, handling and facility fee charges. 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.