Western Association Sets June 2026 for Inaugural Season

New Era Begins With 78-Game Slate and Eight-Club Launch Across the Southwest

HENDERSON, NV, July 1, 2025 — After years of deliberate planning and behind-the-scenes development, the Western Association of Professional Baseball Clubs (WAPB) is officially set to begin its inaugural season in June 2026. The regular season will consist of 78 games, concluding in September, and will feature a minimum of eight founding clubs located throughout the Southwestern United States.

Exact markets and team identities will be announced over the next 1–2 months, giving each club the opportunity to launch within their community and build meaningful engagement from day one. The Western Association will bring professional baseball to a blend of emerging and established markets, offering an exciting and accessible fan experience designed for modern audiences.

The league’s original formation dates back to late 2019, with the Henderson Hoo of Henderson, Nevada serving as the first officially announced club prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the challenges of the past few years delayed the formal launch, the commitment of the league’s founders and owners never wavered.

“This has always been about the long game,” said Nick Sperides, a founding member of the league and part of the original ownership group in Henderson. “We didn’t rush this. We built it thoughtfully, brick by brick, and now we’re ready to share it with the world.”

The Western Association is not just a league for owners and communities—it’s a league for the players. The league will emphasize professional development, technology integration, and elevated player care. From performance data and wellness programs to access to cutting-edge tools and facilities, players will experience an environment designed to challenge and ultimately raise the standard of independent professional baseball.

Each club will be locally operated, backed by centralized league support in operations, media, and corporate partnerships. This structure ensures that teams can focus on building strong community ties and delivering best-in-class ballpark experiences, while benefiting from the scale, resources, and guidance of a forward-thinking league office.

In anticipation of the 2026 debut, the league is also unveiling a refreshed Western Association logo and brand identity. The new visual direction reflects the bold, modern spirit of the league while honoring the legacy of baseball throughout the American Southwest.

“This is a league built to last,” said Peter Young, Commissioner of the Western Association. “We’re blending tradition with innovation—on the field and off it—and putting people at the center of everything we do.”

For updates on team announcements, league developments, and partnership opportunities, visit www.westernprobaseball.com and follow @WesternAssociation on social platforms.

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