ORLANDO, FL - The Massachusetts Pirates officially announced their relocation to Orlando on Monday, debuting their new identity as the Orlando Pirates during a press conference at the Kia Center. Beginning in the 2026 season, the team will play all home games at the downtown Orlando arena, marking a major expansion for both the franchise and the Indoor Football League (IFL).
The event gathered media, community leaders, members of the league office, players, staff, dance team members, and Orlando-area dignitaries for the unveiling of the team's branding and organizational direction.
A New Era for a Championship Franchise
Founded in 2017, the Pirates have been one of the IFL's most successful organizations, earning multiple championship appearances and winning the league title in 2021. The move to Orlando represents an opportunity to build on that legacy while establishing a deeper connection with a major sports market known for its energetic, family-friendly fan culture.
During the announcement, franchise leadership emphasized a commitment to community engagement and the development of local and regional talent. The team plans to build its 2026 roster with an eye toward homegrown athletes, aiming to give Central Florida families the opportunity to cheer on players who grew up in the region.
Introducing Head Coach Rob Keefe
The Pirates announced 7-time professional football champion Rob Keefe as the team's Head Coach. Keefe brings more than two decades of coaching and playing experience in Indoor and Arena Football, as well as deep roots in the Orlando community.
Keefe previously served as the Head Coach of the Orlando Predators from 2014 to 2016, leading the team to three consecutive playoff appearances and two division titles. His broader career includes multiple championships: as a player, he won an ArenaCup (AF2) and an ArenaBowl (AFL), and as a coach, he also captured both an ArenaCup and an ArenaBowl - the latter at age 29, making him the youngest Head Coach in league history to win a title.
After winning the AFL title, Keefe returned to Orlando, and served as the Defensive Coordinator at Faith Christian Academy as well as serving as the Football Commissioner for the Orlando Jr. Predators AAU organization, further solidifying his connection to the Central Florida community. He has also previously served as Manager of Products and Business Development at the Orlando-based nonprofit, Clean the World, which distributes hygiene products to underserved communities and other NGOs around the world.
Keefe comes to the Pirates after most recently serving as the Head Coach and President of Football Operations of the Bay Area Panthers the last three seasons. His record as a Head Coach in the IFL after three seasons is 41-12, with three playoff appearances, two Western Conference #1 seed rankings and an Indoor Football League Championship in 2023.
Monday's press conference drew an impressive lineup of civic and sports leaders, underscoring widespread support for the franchise's move:
Buddy Dyer, Mayor of the City of Orlando
Todd Tryon, Commissioner of the Indoor Football League
Steve Hogan, President/CEO of Florida Citrus Sports
Shan Rose, Orlando City Commissioner, District 5
Allen Johnson, Chief Venues Officer for the City of Orlando
Jason Siegel, President and CEO of Greater Orlando Sports Commission
Their attendance highlighted the Pirates' role in strengthening Orlando's professional sports ecosystem and contributing to the city's vibrant downtown venues.
The Pirates outlined plans to bring Orlando's signature sports energy, seen at Orlando City SC matches and Orlando Magic and Solar Bears games, into the IFL arena environment. The franchise emphasized:
- Family-friendly entertainment
- Affordable ticket options
- Interactive game-day activations
- Deep community engagement
Leadership positioned arena football as an accessible, exciting addition to the city's sports calendar and a new staple for local families.
Next Steps for Fans
Following the announcement, the Pirates opened 2026 season ticket deposits at www.orlandopirates.com and launched their online team store, The Bay, at www.orlandopirates.shop, offering branded apparel and exclusive merchandise.
This press release is the property of the Orlando Pirates, and may not be republished in full without attribution.
About the Orlando Pirates: The 2021 United Bowl National Champions and 2-time Eastern Conference Champions, Orlando Pirates, are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the KIA Center in Orlando, Florida. For 2026 information on tickets for the Orlando Pirates, please email contact@orlandopirates.com or visit www.orlandopirates.com.
Follow the Pirates on social media with the following official links, which are currently in the progress of being updated to reflect the new team branding:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAPirates/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mass.pirates/
X: https://x.com/mass_pirates
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/massachusetts-pirates/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@go_orlandopirates
About the Indoor Football League (IFL): The IFL is the longest-running indoor football league with 14 teams based in cities across the country. For additional information, please email info@goifl.com or visit the league website at https://goifl.com.
Follow the IFL on social media with the following official links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFLIndoorFootballLeague/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indoorfootballleague/
X: https://x.com/IndoorFL
