Professional hockey is coming back to New Mexico.
The ECHL officially announced that its Board of Governors has approved an expansion franchise in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The new team is set to hit the ice in the 2026-27 season, becoming the league’s 31st member.
Team operations will be led by REV Entertainment’s Sports Management division, with support from the NHL’s Dallas Stars, who will serve as hockey operations consultants. REV Entertainment brings strong experience to the table, currently managing two independent baseball teams—the Cleburne Railroaders and Kane County Cougars—and previously partnering with the ECHL’s Allen Americans.
The new franchise’s name will be decided by fans through a “Name the Team” contest, which is now open at NMProHockey.com.
“It is with great pleasure that the League welcomes REV Entertainment and the New Mexico region to the ECHL,” said Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “This expansion strengthens our alignment with the NHL and AHL, and we’re thrilled to bring professional hockey back to a passionate fanbase in New Mexico.”
REV Entertainment President Sean Decker echoed the excitement.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring the ECHL to Rio Rancho and can’t wait to drop the puck in 2026,” Decker said. “This community has a deep history with hockey, and we look forward to building a franchise that fans can rally behind.”
The team will play its home games at the Rio Rancho Events Center, a 7,000-seat venue in Rio Rancho. The arena previously hosted the CHL’s New Mexico Scorpions (2006–09) and the NAHL’s New Mexico Mustangs (2010–12), and continues to serve as a hub for sports and entertainment in the region.
About the ECHL
Founded in 1988, the ECHL is a premier AA hockey league, serving as a key development platform for NHL talent. For the 2024-25 season, the league features 29 teams across 22 U.S. states and one Canadian province. Over 760 ECHL alumni have played in the NHL, with 16 making their debut this season alone. The ECHL currently has affiliations with 29 of the NHL’s 32 teams. Visit ECHL.com for more.
About REV Entertainment
REV Entertainment is a multifaceted sports and entertainment company specializing in venue management, event promotion, and professional team operations. Through its Sports Management division, REV oversees franchises in professional baseball and now hockey, continuing its mission to elevate live entertainment across the country. Learn more at REVEntertainment.com.
