There were eleven teams that either played in the IFL or were planned expansions.

===== ILF 1981 =====
  * Birmingham Destroyers
  * Montreal Mayhem
  * Orlando Storm
  * Tulsa Tornadoes

===== ILF 1982 =====
  * Birmingham Destroyers
  * Charlotte Cobras
  * Columbus Black Bears
  * Montreal Mayhem
  * Norfolk Reivers
  * Orlando Storm
  * San Antonio Rattlesnakes
  * Tulsa Tornadoes (bankrupt by the end of the season)

  * Team Nine Travellers (A travelling visiting team based in Iowa City).

===== ILF 1983 =====
The following teams were planned for the 1983 season before the NAFL merger.

  * Birmingham Destroyers
  * Charlotte Cobras
  * Columbus Black Bears
  * Montreal Mayhem
  * Norfolk Reivers
  * Orlando Storm
  * San Antonio Rattlesnakes
  * Tulsa Tornadoes (presumably saved by investors)
  * Omaha Bulls (formerly the Team Nine Travellers)
  * Wichita Wildmen