ARIZONA GETS THE 'ICE': Grand Canyon State joins the WABA WEST

Albuquerque, NM – The WABA WEST professional women's basketball league continues to build momentum for its inaugural 2026 season, officially announcing the addition of the Arizona Ice. The Ice becomes the fourth confirmed franchise in the new Western Conference and the very first professional women's basketball team to be based in Arizona.

Taking the helm of the expansion team is seasoned sports executive Antoinette Taylor, who will serve as both the Owner and General Manager. Taylor is already a respected figure in the Arizona basketball scene, where she owns and operates the successful men's team, the Arizona Fire, from the American Basketball Association (ABA).

"We are incredibly excited to bring the Arizona Ice into the WABA WEST family," said Taylor in a statement. "Arizona has a passionate and rapidly growing sports base, and women’s basketball is ready to thrive here. Leveraging our experience with the Arizona Fire, we will build a professional, competitive, and fan-focused organization that truly represents the energy of the Grand Canyon State."

The Arizona Ice joins a dynamic lineup of Western teams set to compete when the inaugural season tips off in April 2026. With this announcement, the WABA WEST officially confirms four member clubs.

League Commissioner Nick Lourenco praised the addition and highlighted Taylor's track record. "Antoinette Taylor is a proven leader in basketball operations, and her dedication to growing the sport makes her the perfect person to launch our first franchise in Arizona," said Lourenco. "The Ice is a powerful addition to our regional footprint, reducing travel for our teams and increasing the excitement for fans across the Southwest."

Commissioner Lourenco indicated that the league's rapid expansion is far from complete. He is expected to announce a few more franchise additions before December 2025, finalizing the charter teams for the historic 2026 launch.

The Arizona Ice will immediately begin the process of hiring a coaching staff and scouting talent in preparation for the upcoming league draft. Fans across Arizona can look forward to cheering on their new professional team when the WABA WEST season gets underway next spring.