The Southwest Kansas Storm are Your 2026 NAL Champions

The 2026 National Arena League Championship Game was an instant classic, dripping with the tension of a rivalry game and featuring some of the most competitive football the NAL had to offer. Coming into this game, everyone knew it would be a knockdown, drag-out affair, as the last 8 match-ups between these two teams had resulted in an even 4-4 record and a +0 point differential. There was very little chance this game would be decided by more than 6 points. 

This game lived up to the hype, and then some, with the game won on a diving reception in the end zone with 2 seconds on the clock. Mason Pierce laying out to catch a pass, taking the lead with only enough time for one play by Salina. Ultimately, the trophy stayed in Dodge City, Kansas, with the Southwest Kansas Storm thanks to some help from the home crowd. 

Home Field Advantage Proves Crucial for the Storm 

The Storm have never experienced home-field advantage as they did on June 21st, 2026. Well over 2,000 people arrived on gameday prepared to do their part and help their team to victory. The savvy crowd knew when to calm the roar to allow the offense to operate, only to spin the volume dial all the way to the max when Salina's offense was on the field. 

This showed up on the field in multiple situations, but never was it more apparent than in the fourth quarter on the last two possessions for Salina. As Salina drove toward the end zone, the defense was seen coaxing the fans to give it everything they had, and it paid off in back-to-back penalties for Salina. Momentum is everything in a football game, and you could literally feel the momentum shift in the arena as this drive stalled out and ended in the Storm taking the ball back with just under 1:00 minute on the clock.

After the diving reception by Mason Pierce, there was no way the crowd was going to let up on the ensuing kickoff and untimed down. Leaving communication nearly impossible, the fans deserve some of the credit for the win. The team certainly paid their respects to the fans, acknowledging that this group may have been the loudest crowd of any event ever held at United Wireless Arena. Coach Thomas described the environment as "electric". 

One thing is for certain, Home Field Advantage has a whole new meaning in Dodge City, Kansas. The only question is, can the fans keep the intensity in defense of this title in 2027? (Something tells me the fan base will come prepared) 

Offensive MVP

Mason Pierce has quietly been a very important piece of the offense. Often taking a backseat to players like Demarius Washington or Jaden Sutton, in the Championship game he was the one who took home the Offensive MVP award. 

By the time the clock read zeroes, Pierce led the team in rushing yards and total touchdowns. He would finish with 9 offensive touches for 49 yards and 3 touchdowns. None more impactful than his final catch for a touchdown that took the lead with seconds left. He also added 1 kickoff return for 6 yards. 

Defensive MVP

Shaq Bond would take home the Defensive MVP award. He collected 6 tackles and 1 fumble recovery. The fumble recovery was the only takeaway of the day for either defense. If not for that recovery, the Storm may not be the NAL Champions right now. 

Evenly Matched Opponents 

While the Storm swept Salina this season over their last nine matchups, the Storm are 5-4 and currently hold just a +4 point differential. These two teams have played against one another multiple times for five seasons straight, making for one of the better and longer-standing rivalries in the National Arena League. 

The NAL, by design or default, has rivalries built in with nearly every team currently in the league. Southwest Kansas vs Salina, Omaha vs Sioux City, and Colorado vs Pueblo to name a few. This makes for intriguing, and often competitive football. Commissioner Ikard stated that the NAL had the lowest point differential overall of any indoor or arena football league. 

This is no small feat, and one the fans surely appreciate. Blowouts are not fun for either fan base, and avoiding them should be on the agenda for every sports league; however, it can be easier said than done. There is no clear-cut answer as to how to keep games close, and it really is up to every team to hire the right staff, as well as build and maintain their roster. 

Maintaining that roster can be the most difficult part of the equation. While bye weeks are built in, there is never any team that finishes a season unscathed. The Storm were no different, except that the injuries seemed to pile up late in the season. 

Dom Moore missed several weeks, which led the Storm to utilize Jamel Winn to play both ways. This got them through the injury, but it also left them vulnerable; one more injury on either line and suddenly the depth was gone. While Matt Struck's injury earlier in the season could have derailed the entire season, Trae Self joined the team just in time. However, just 2 months later, the Storm weren't sure if Self would suit up in the playoffs. 

Dealing with an ankle injury and an infection in his elbow, Self pushed through the pain for two weeks and finished out the season, laying it all on the line in the championship game. Evan DiMaggio, the 2026 NAL Defensive Rookie of the Year, unfortunately dislocated his knee at the end of the season before an old friend, Vince DiLeo, rejoined the team to help win a championship. These weren't the only changes, however. 

Retiring a Champion 

Dillon Burkhard answered a call from Coach Thomas just before the final week of the season asking him to come back to help the team finish out a championship run. When I spoke with Dillon Burkhard after the game, he said, "This is why I came back. I knew the team had what it takes to win it all." Shortly after the win, Dillon posted about (officially) retiring. (Coach Thomas was seen in the comments saying he will call him next summer.)

Congratulations to Dillon Burkhard on retiring a champion. Burkhard will likely hold many of the franchise kicking records for years to come after being the longest tenured player on the Storm. 

Home Town Hero

Matt Fries has lined up all over for the Storm over the last two seasons. He has been a key piece of the turnaround for the Storm, bringing a "do what it takes" mentality to the team. What does not show up on the stat sheet is the energy he brings. You could see his anticipation before the opening kickoff, and you could tell this game meant more to him than most. 

Final Thoughts

While we are singling out a couple of local players in this article, all of the players who contributed to the Championship deserve to take pride in the victory. Now that the season is in the rearview mirror, we can begin to reflect on the impact of each player. Keep an eye on this website over the next few months as we highlight the players.