The PIFL began in 2012 with six teams in the southeastern United States, five of which joined from the Southern Indoor Football League, and the expansion Knoxville NightHawks.

[2] On March 10, 2012, the Richmond Raiders defeated the Columbus Lions, 64–58, in the first ever PIFL game.

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks of the Indoor Football League,[5] as well as the Charlotte Speed,[6] another former SIFL team who had previously committed to play in the IFL as well.

The expansion Trenton Freedom[8] and the Nashville Venom[9] joined the league for the 2014 season, as well as the Harrisburg Stampede, a former American Indoor Football (AIF) team.

The Erie Explosion held out until January 2016, initially joining the Indoor Football Alliance, before suspending operations.