[1] The Nighthawks were announced as a member of Champions Indoor Football (CIF) for 2018, however, due to litigation, the team ceased operations for the season.

The franchise started as an outdoor American football team that played in different minor leagues before joining the IFL.

The Nighthawks were founded in October 2012 as a minor league outdoor football team by Jerry and Michelle Hughes.

[7] Back helped the Nighthawks highest scoring offense in the IFL and an 11–5 record and their first ever indoor football playoff appearance.

After the 2017 IFL season, owner Drew Carnes applied for membership in Champions Indoor Football in order to lower travel costs and league instability.