TUCSON, Ariz. — The Mayos de Navojoa, one of Mexico’s most historic professional baseball teams, is relocating to Tucson for the 2025–26 season, becoming the first team in the Liga ARCO Mexicana del Pacífico (LAMP) to be based in the United States.
The league’s board of governors unanimously approved the move in May, citing the opportunity to expand its cross-border presence. All 34 home games will be played at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium under a temporary name, the Tucson Baseball Team. A permanent name will be selected through community input during the inaugural season.
The team released its 2025–26 schedule on June 19. The home opener is set for Thursday, Oct. 16, against the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, kicking off a four-game series at Kino Stadium.
“This is a unique opportunity to build something international, something lasting,” said Victor Cuevas Jr., team president. “We’re creating a cultural experience where Sonoran and American traditions come together through baseball.”
The relocation ends a 66-year run in Navojoa, Sonora, where declining attendance, limited sponsorship, and pandemic-related financial pressures led ownership to consider new markets. The Mayos averaged fewer than 4,000 fans per game last season and finished ninth in the standings.
Blake Eager, executive director of the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority, called the move a “turning point” for Southern Arizona’s baseball community.
“We have an incredible opportunity to prove once again that professional baseball belongs,” Eager said. “It’s important to remember our history — today marks a new chance.”
LAMP officials said the league is positioning itself as the premier winter baseball competition in the Americas, with players frequently competing in the Caribbean Series and in Major League Baseball systems. The Tucson move is viewed as a strategic step toward further international expansion.
The Kino Sports Complex has not hosted a full-season professional team since the Tucson Padres left in 2013. Pima County and local partners have committed support for at least the duration of the 2025–26 season.
“We believe this move will benefit the league, the city and the region,” said LAMP president Salvador Quirarte Escobar. “This is baseball of the highest quality played outside of Major League Baseball.”
The Tucson Baseball Team’s and ticket information are expected to be rolled out throughout the summer.
Editor’s Note: Lee Patterson, the author of this article, serves on the governing board of the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority. He was appointed to a five-year term by the Arizona State Legislature.
