ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express is shaking things up as it has decided to end its affiliation with the Texas Rangers to become a Houston Astros affiliate.

  • New contract with Houston Astros
  • Express ended contract with Texas Rangers
  • Founded in 2000

After eight years, the baseball team ended its affiliation with the Texas Rangers in an announcement on Monday. Then, on Thursday, the team announced its new contract with the defending World Series champions, the Astros.  

“This is a great day for all Central Texas baseball fans,” Express CEO Reese Ryan said. “The Astros have been a big part of our family and this area for a long time. We’re excited to partner with them once again as we get ready for our 20th anniversary season at Dell Diamond.”

In 2000, the Express was founded as a Double-A franchise by the Ryan Sander Baseball group, including Nolan Ryan and his sons.

The Round Rock Express will celebrate its 20th anniversary at the Dell Diamond on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, against the Nashville Sounds.