Austin Bats Basketball Claims ABA National Championship, Bringing Home Austin’s First Professional Basketball Title in Team History
South Region Champions Turn 16-0 Start Into ABA National Title, Completing One of the League’s Most Dominant Seasons
AUSTIN, Texas – May 11, 2026 — Austin Bats Basketball, a professional basketball team competing in the American Basketball Association (ABA), has officially claimed the 2025-26 ABA National Championship — marking a historic milestone for the franchise and the city of Austin. After 12 years of competition, the Austin Bats secured the title on April 11, 2026, in a hard-fought championship series led by Finals MVP JaMichael Brown, cementing their place in Austin sports history.
The championship victory is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the entire Austin Bats organization. Founded and led by owner Leticia Castillo, the team has spent over a decade building a competitive roster, a loyal fan base, and a deep connection to the Austin community. The 2025-26 ABA Champion Austin Bats are led by Head Coach Rommel Corro, whose leadership guided the team to its first national title. This year’s championship squad featured a roster of elite athletes — including former NBA player Mims O’Neal — united under a coaching staff committed to developing talent at the highest level of the game.
JaMichael Brown was named the 2025-26 ABA National Championship Finals MVP after a standout performance that proved decisive in Austin’s run to the title. Brown’s explosive play and competitive drive throughout the postseason embodied the championship-level standard that Head Coach Corro has instilled in the Austin Bats Program.
“This championship has been 12 years in the making and I could not be more proud of this team,” said Leticia Castillo, Owner of Austin Bats Basketball. “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 Austin Bats compete in the American Basketball Association, one of the longest-running professional basketball leagues in the country, providing a platform for elite athletes to compete at the professional level. The ABA National Championship is the league’s highest honor, awarded annually to the team that demonstrates the highest level of competitive excellence throughout the season and postseason.
The championship win has already garnered recognition beyond the court. The City of Austin honored the team with four prominent community billboards celebrating the historic achievement — a reflection of the team’s growing impact on Austin’s sports and cultural landscape. The Austin Bats organization also features the Austin Bats Dance Team, whose performances and community outreach have further strengthened the franchise’s connection to its fans.
“We came into this season with one goal — to bring a championship back to Austin,” said Rommel Corro, Head Coach of Austin Bats Basketball. “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.”
As national champions, the Austin Bats look forward to celebrating this milestone with the Austin community in the weeks ahead. The organization invites fans, partners, and supporters to follow the team on social media for updates on upcoming events, community appearances, and championship celebrations.
For media inquiries, interview requests, and press assets, please contact Brandi Sims at Brandinc PR at brandi@brandincpr.com or (512) 222-9355. Additional information Austin Bats Basketball is available at austinbatsbasketball.com.