From its beginnings in 1986 as a semi-professional indoor league in the American Southwest, the USISL had grown over the last decade.
By 1994, the outdoor season included 69 teams with various levels of professionalism.
The Minnesota Thunder advanced to the Midwest Division final.
The Sizzlin' Nine Championship was a three-group round robin tournament featuring nine teams.
The Long Island Rough Riders received a bye into the Sizzlin' Nine Championship.