MOUNDSVILLE — The Ohio Valley Ironmen announced Thursday that the remainder of their 2025 season will be canceled as they looks onward towards a team relaunch in 2026.

After starting their season 3-0 with 45-0, 39-0 and 82-0 victories in their first three games, the Ironmen cited other teams’ unwillingness to face them as the reason for an early conclusion to the organization’s first season in town.

“The Ohio Valley Ironmen have faced an unexpected challenge,” a statement posted on the team’s official channels read. “Following those commanding performances, multiple scheduled opponents have canceled games, leaving the tem without a competitive path to complete the season at the level that matches its ambitions. In response, the Ironmen have made a difficult but strategic decision to conclude play early and pivot towards preparing for a stronger more sustainable return in 2026.

“This decision follows careful deliberation with players, sponsors, and community partners and reflects a deep commitment to protecting the long-term health of the franchise.”

The Ironmen’s next game was supposed to be a rematch with the Cincinnati Dukes on July 5. The Dukes and Ironmen played in Ohio Valley’s season opener, where the Ironmen won 45-0. They were then slated for games against the Michigan Bills, San Antonio Caballeros and Washington Hawks.

‘Nobody expected us to be this strong,” head coach and general manager Manny Matsakis said. “We were left scratching our heads when teams started dropping off the schedule. Rather than scramble to throw together subpar replacements or dilute what we’ve built, we’re choosing to rest. That way, we can come back in 2026 even stronger and fully aligned with our goals.”

The team’s statement affirmed their commitment to return for 2026.

“This is not a retreat, it’s a reset,” the statement read. “Rather than risk diminishing the Ironmen brand with a patchwork finish to 2025, leadership is protecting its foundation and focusing on a more competitive and sustainable future.”

Plans for next season are already underway.

The Ironmen will soon launch their “Forge Ahead: Relaunch 2026″ Initiative inviting fans, sponores, and community members to help shape the next chapter,” the team’s statement read. “Plans include offseason youth outreach, season-ticket presales, enhanced media content and a national campaign to establish a full and competitive schedule.”

The team’s statement said that the Ironmen will honor all valid tickets and sponsorship commitments by automatically enrolling them into VIP packages for the 2026 season- “including early event access, premium seating opportunities and exclusive Ironmen merchandise.”

“We are not going away,” Matsakis said. “This is a realignment with our purpose. The Ironmen stand for discipline, excellence and community pride. And when we return in 2026, we’ll do so with an ironclad foundation that reflects all three.”