“This season feels different. We have worked hard to get to where we are today, and there is a new level of excitement and energy surrounding our organization,” Austin Bats Basketball owner Leticia Castillo said.
In a nutshell
The Bats are Austin’s only professional basketball team, earning the number one spot in the American Basketball Association league in 2026. The team topped the league after beating the Buffalo eXtreme on April 12.
The win was more than a decade in the making, according to Castillo, who founded the Austin Bats 12 years ago. Castillo comes from a background in horse racing and was initially interested in owning a professional team from a business perspective. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she said she combines a passion for business, competition and community to show women that they belong.
“I mean, you go anywhere and everybody loves basketball,” Lynn Santos, community partnerships coordinator at Austin Bats said. “I think it will bring this community together knowing that there's a professional-level team here that you can… support.”
Leticia Castillo founded the Austin Bats twelve years ago. This season, she is most looking forward to seeing the community come together at St. Edward's University, she said. (Courtesy Austin Bats Basketball)
The details
The Bats’ national championship title brought several changes to the team, including their home base. Games were previously hosted at Travis High School. Now, the team is headed to St. Edward’s University, where all home games will be played this season. The Bats will also launch a new mascot. Local fans have the opportunity to submit name suggestions for the new symbol, which will be revealed at the start of the season.
Additionally, the professional team is now seeking sponsors. Castillo anticipates the win will bring new opportunities, partnerships and community engagement for the Bats.
“My hope is that this recognition opens the door to new opportunities, stronger community partnerships and an even greater connection with the people of Austin,” Castillo said. “I want more families, young athletes and basketball fans to feel that this is their team and something they can truly be proud of.”
Key players
The Austin Bats are led by head coach and general manager Rommel Corro, who has been coaching the Bats for the last five years. Following the Bats’ national championship, the team is focused on getting players ready, one game at a time, according to Corro. Core players to watch are finals MVP JaMichael Brown, ABA season leading scorer Ty Jordan, DK Eldridge, Mims O'Neal, Alue Alue and Solomon Mitchell, Corro said.
“We have worked for years to win this championship and we want it to stay with the Austin Bats for years to come,” Corro said.
The basketball team is also accompanied by courtside talent: the Lady Bats Dance Team. The group is made up of 18 dancers who perform at games and community appearances.
The Lady Bats held open auditions for the dance team on Aug. 1. (Courtesy Austin Bats Basketball)
Giving back
The Lady Bats and the Austin Bats host free camps for local children. During the summer, Corro and several athletes host basketball day camps for underprivileged children, Santos said. This summer, the Bats hosted a camp for kids ages 7-17 at Travis High School.
What’s next
The Austin Bats are slated to host the 2028 National Championship in Austin, which Castillo describes as “a tremendous honor—not only for the Bats but for our entire city.” As hosts, the Bats will welcome athletes, families, fans and staff from across the country. The national championship will also provide the opportunity to showcase what “makes Austin so special,” Castillo explains.
Until then, local basketball fans can catch the Bats on the court, starting later this month. The team will play 20 games, including 11 home games; tickets are $10. A full list of dates, times and opponents can be found on the Austin Bats website.
