Indianapolis is welcoming three new sports teams in 2025: the Fishers Freight, Indiana Valor, and Indy Ignite.
The Fishers Event Center was packed for the Indy Ignite’s first game on Saturday. Thousands of fans watched as the new volleyball team secured their first-ever victory.
“It was such an incredible environment,” said Ignite setter Sydney Hilley.
The Indiana Valor, a women’s professional football team, and the Fishers Freight, an arena football team, are also kicking off their inaugural seasons. The Valor plays in the Women’s Football Alliance, while the Freight competes in the Indoor Football League.
Dan Gliot from Indy Sports Corp highlighted the importance of these teams for the community. “As these teams come in and build new franchises, it shows that sports are a great way to boost the community, including business and economic development, as well as offering many programs that impact the local area.”
The Ignite team has high hopes for the future. “We don’t want to just be another sport. We’re aiming to bring a championship home,” said Azhani Tealer, a middle blocker for the Orlando Valkyries. “It’s going to take time, but with grit and hustle, we’ll get there.”
Two of the three new teams focus on women’s sports, reinforcing Indiana’s growing emphasis on women athletes.
“For Indiana Sports Corp, our 2050 vision includes women’s sports, and we want to make the state the epicenter of women’s sports,” said Gliot. “The Ignite is a perfect example of that.”
Hilley shared her excitement about being role models for young players: “After the match, it was so cool to take pictures with young volleyball players who now have role models to look up to.”
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