Sioux City Bandits Name New Owner, Unveil Logo

The indoor football franchise announced a new owner and managing partner alongside a rebranded logo at a special event in Sioux City.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football

Empty indoor football field under bright arena lights, a single football at midfield and padded goalposts at the far end. — The Sioux City Bandits named Brett Funke owner and managing partner, keeping Erv Strohbeen as head coach, and unveiled a new logo at a Boat House event. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Sioux City Bandits announced that Brett Funke will serve as owner and managing partner, with Erv Strohbeen continuing as head coach. The team also unveiled a new logo and branding at a special event at the Boat House.

Why it matters

The ownership change follows the death of longtime team owner Don Belson, and the organization says it aims to build a sustainable franchise for Sioux City fans for years to come.

The franchise, a member of the National Arena League, has more than 25 years of history, and the late owner Don Belson was 76 at the time of his death. The extraction does not disclose the financial terms of the transition.

The players

Brett Funke

Brett Funke is the new owner and managing partner of the Sioux City Bandits, succeeding the franchise's late owner.

Erv Strohbeen

Erv Strohbeen is the longtime head coach of the Sioux City Bandits, continuing in that role under new ownership.

Sioux City Bandits

The Sioux City Bandits are a professional indoor football franchise in the National Arena League, playing home games at the Tyson Events Center.

The details

Brett Funke takes over as owner and managing partner, while Erv Strohbeen will continue as head coach. The new logo incorporates a modern interpretation of a classic design, unveiled at a special event at the Boat House in Sioux City.

Summer 2025: Team owner Don Belson died at age 76.
November 5, 2026: New ownership and logo were announced at the Boat House.

Season Trajectory

The change comes as the Sioux City Bandits, part of the National Arena League, carry more than 25 years of franchise history into a new ownership era. Continuity in head coaching with Erv Strohbeen signals an effort to preserve competitive stability within the league.

Sioux City Bandits fans will see a new logo and new ownership leadership at Tyson Events Center home games. Erv Strohbeen remaining as head coach means the team's on-field leadership is unchanged for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Ownership transitions often test whether a franchise can keep its identity intact, and keeping Strohbeen in place while introducing a refreshed brand is a practical way to balance continuity with change for local supporters.