Description Available in: The Spokane Empire were a professional indoor football team based in Spokane, Washington. They were members of the Indoor Football League and began play in the league starting in the 2016 season. Based in Spokane, Washington and owned by Spokane businessman Nader Naini, the Empire played their home games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. They replaced the arena football team, the Spokane Shock, after the ownership tried to move the franchise to the IFL.
On July 12, 2017, owner Nader Naini announced that the Empire would cease operations, citing financial issues.