Arena football is coming to Amarillo in a big way.
In a move that marks both a relocation and a rebirth, the Amarillo Warbirds have officially joined the National Arena League (NAL). Formerly known as the West Texas Warbirds in Odessa, the franchise has relocated to the Panhandle and is gearing up for an exciting debut in the 2026 season.
But this isn’t just a change of scenery — it’s the beginning of a new chapter rooted deeply in community values, competitive spirit, and long-term vision.
A Fresh Start in Amarillo
The Warbirds’ relocation was announced by the team’s new leadership group, including part owner and arena football executive Leif Kertis, who has deep ties to both the sport and the state of Texas. Kertis emphasized the critical role of community support in the team’s future:
“Because at the end of the day there's more at stake than just football here — there's a community, there's our fans, there's these players who trust us with our futures and we take that very, very seriously.”
The Warbirds will make their new home at the Amarillo Civic Center, where fans can expect a high-energy, fan-first experience when the season kicks off in March 2026.
Why Amarillo?
From a league perspective, Amarillo made perfect sense.
NAL Commissioner Brandon Ikard noted that Amarillo represents everything the league looks for in an expansion city:
“Amarillo checks every box we look for when expanding — passionate fans, strong leadership, and a great venue.”
The team will represent North Texas, expanding the NAL's footprint in a state that’s already known for its love of football. Following the success of the 2025 NAL Championship Game held in East Texas, the league is continuing to grow its presence in the Lone Star State.
A League Built for Longevity
Unlike many fly-by-night sports ventures, the NAL is focused on long-term growth and sustainable success. Part of the Warbirds’ entry into the league includes an ownership stake, giving the team influence over league decisions and a chance to build a lasting legacy.
Ricky Bertz, owner of the Omaha Beef and a respected figure in the league, put it plainly:
“You’re only as strong as your weakest link. That’s why we’re as thorough as we are with the franchises we bring in.”
The Warbirds are not just a temporary experiment — they are a cornerstone of the NAL’s future vision.
Fan Experience: Up Close and Personal
Arena football is more than just a game — it’s an experience. And in Amarillo, fans can expect to be right in the middle of the action.
Leif Kertis shared one of the sport’s most unique and entertaining features:
“If a ball goes into the stands, not only do fans get to keep it, but players can go in after it — so if they catch it while diving into the stands, it’s a catch. But fans can knock that ball away as long as it's in the stands, so they can actually help the home team out.”
In an era where professional sports can feel distant and corporate, the NAL delivers something refreshingly different — a sport where the fans don’t just watch the game, they become part of it.
What’s Next for the Warbirds?
The team’s schedule is expected to drop as early as September 2025, giving fans plenty of time to plan for kickoff in March 2026. As the league’s first official expansion franchise under Commissioner Ikard, the Warbirds are leading the way for what is shaping up to be a bold new era of growth for the NAL.
Behind seasoned leadership, backed by an engaged community, and playing in a city with a rich sports tradition, the Amarillo Warbirds are poised to take flight — and bring a thrilling new energy to Texas sports.
Stay tuned for ticket information, community events, and more announcements as the countdown to kickoff begins. Amarillo — it’s time to rally behind your team.
