Austin Bats Bring Home First ABA National Championship in Franchise History

After 12 years of building toward the moment, the Austin-based professional basketball franchise captured the 2025-26 American Basketball Association (ABA) National Championship on April 11, 2026, delivering the city’s first professional basketball title in team history.

Led by Head Coach Rommel Corro and owner Leticia Castillo, the South Region champions turned a dominant 16-0 start into a championship season that cemented the organization as one of the ABA’s premier programs.

“This championship has been 12 years in the making, and I could not be prouder of this team,” Castillo said. “We have put in the work, year after year, and to finally bring this title home to Austin is an incredible feeling. This city has supported us, and we are honored to represent Austin on a national stage.”

The championship run was fueled by standout postseason performances from Finals MVP JaMichael Brown, whose explosive scoring and leadership proved pivotal throughout the title chase. Brown’s play embodied the competitive culture the Austin Bats have spent years developing.

The roster also featured former NBA player Mims O’Neal alongside a deep group of professional talent committed to bringing a championship to Central Texas.

“We came into this season with one goal — to bring a championship back to Austin,” Corro said. “This team never stopped believing in what we were building. The hard work, the sacrifices, the commitment to each other — it all came together this season, and I could not be prouder of every single player and coach who was a part of this journey.”

The American Basketball Association, one of the country’s longest-running professional basketball leagues, awards its national championship annually to the league’s top-performing team throughout the regular season and postseason. Austin’s title celebration has already extended beyond the hardwood. The City of Austin recognized the historic achievement with four community billboards honoring the team’s championship season, underscoring the franchise’s growing influence on the city’s sports culture.

The organization’s impact has also been strengthened through community outreach initiatives and the popular Austin Bats Dance Team, helping deepen the club’s connection with fans across the region.As the newly crowned ABA National Champions, the Austin Bats are expected to host upcoming community events and championship celebrations throughout the summer.

More information about the team is available through Austin Bats Basketball.