Rio Rancho Lady Roadrunners Join WABA WEST for Inaugural Season

Albuquerque, NM – The burgeoning professional women’s basketball landscape in the Southwest is expanding as the Rio Rancho Lady Roadrunners have officially been confirmed as a franchise in the new WABA WEST league. The team is set to tip off for the league's inaugural season, which begins in April 2026.

The Lady Roadrunners' formation marks a significant step for professional sports in Rio Rancho and brings a strong, experienced voice to the WABA WEST leadership. The new franchise is owned and headed by Mr. Aaryon Williams, the former General Manager and Head Coach of the successful Lady Bullsnakes.

"Bringing a professional women's team to Rio Rancho has been a long-term goal, and we are thrilled to be part of the pioneering effort of the WABA WEST," said Williams. "The level of talent in this region is incredible, and we are committed to building a championship-caliber team that the community can be proud of. The Roadrunners will be all about speed, tenacity, and a connection with the fans."

The Rio Rancho Lady Roadrunners will be the second team in New Mexico to join the newly formed Western Conference of the Women's American Basketball Association (WABA). Their addition brings the total number of confirmed franchises in the inaugural WABA WEST season to three, providing a solid foundation for the league's launch.

The WABA WEST is focused on creating a high-level, competitive platform for women’s basketball across the Western United States, giving elite players the opportunity to compete closer to home.

The official schedule and full list of inaugural teams are expected to be announced later this year, as the WABA WEST continues to finalize its roster ahead of the April 2026 launch. Fans can look forward to seeing the Lady Roadrunners hit the court, ready to establish a new era of basketball excitement in the City of Vision.