ARLINGTON, Texas — REV Entertainment announced today that the Kane County Cougars and Cleburne Railroaders will join the National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB) beginning with the 2027 season, marking a new chapter for two of the organization’s professional baseball franchises.
The NAPB, which will debut in 2027 as the new identity of the Frontier League, is an official MLB Partner League and the oldest active independent professional baseball league in North America. With clubs across the United States and Canada, the league will expand to 20 teams with the addition of Cleburne and Kane County.
“We are proud to join the National Association of Professional Baseball and become part of an organization with a rich history of professional baseball and an exciting vision for the future,” said Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment. “This transition presents new opportunities for our teams, players, fans and communities, and we look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the league.”
The Cleburne Railroaders have competed in the American Association since the franchise was revived in 2017. The Kane County Cougars bring a rich history of professional baseball to the NAPB, having spent nearly three decades as an affiliated Minor League Baseball franchise before joining the American Association in 2021.
“We are honored to welcome Cleburne and Kane County as our newest members,” said Steve Tahsler, Commissioner of the NAPB. “Cleburne adds another MLB metropolitan market to our lineup in a location with a tremendous baseball history, while Kane County has been one of the top performing operations in professional baseball for more than 30 years.”
The move reinforces REV Entertainment’s commitment to the long-term success of both clubs while continuing to provide exceptional baseball and entertainment experiences for fans. For supporters of the Railroaders and Cougars, the transition will not change the game-day experience. Both clubs will continue to deliver affordable, family-friendly entertainment and high-quality professional baseball in their communities.
With the addition of Cleburne and Kane County, REV Entertainment will have three owned and operated clubs competing in the NAPB, joining the Schaumburg Boomers. REV also owns and operates the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League and the New Mexico Goatheads of the ECHL.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“This is an exciting time for the Cleburne Railroaders. The National Association of Professional Baseball is a great fit for our team, our fans, and our community. We are thrilled for the opportunity to develop new traditions and memorable experiences at La Moderna Field, while competing for NAPB championships.”
— Jimmy Frush, General Manager of the Cleburne Railroaders
“Joining the National Association of Professional Baseball represents an exciting next step for the Kane County Cougars and our community. We’re excited to begin this next chapter while continuing to build on the strong connection we have with our loyal fans and incredible partners. We look forward to bringing that same commitment and positive energy to the NAPB while creating new smiles and memories for Cougars fans for years to come.”
— Curtis Haug, Vice President & General Manager of the Kane County Cougars
About the National Association of Professional Baseball: The National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB), formerly known as the Frontier League, is the largest and longest-running independent baseball league in the United States and is a proud Partner League of Major League Baseball. Founded in 1993, the league has provided a platform for top-tier talent, with hundreds of alumni advancing to MLB-affiliated organizations. With 20 teams spanning the US and Canada, the NAPB is committed to providing high-quality baseball entertainment to fans across North America.
About REV Entertainment: REV Entertainment is the official sports and entertainment company of the Texas Rangers. Through its four core divisions – Events, Sports Management, Sports Marketing, and Development (RVX Ventures) – the company is focused on enhancing the sports and entertainment business nationwide. For more information, visit REVEntertainment.com.
– REV ENTERTAINMENT –