This was the Iowa Barnstormers' first United Bowl appearance after joining the IFL in 2015 from the Arena Football League.
The Storm began the season with a 39–33 loss to the Arizona Rattlers before embarking on a four-game win streak, including a 52–40 victory over the Barnstormers on March 18.
After another loss to the Rattlers on April 16, the Storm won seven of their final eight games, finishing the season with a record of 11–3, earning third place.
[3] On June 23, the Storm defeated the Rattlers in the first round of the playoffs in overtime by a score of 69–68, earning their place in the United Bowl for the ninth consecutive year.
The Barnstormers finished the season with a record of 11–3, earning first place and home field advantage in the playoffs.