In March 2010, Derby News Network released its first official 2010 Roller Derby Rankings, offering a national view of league performance across the U.S. The rankings were based on bout results, strength of schedule, and expert panel reviews.
This was the first major effort to compare teams across all four WFTDA regions — East, West, South Central, and North Central.
“The rhythm of the wheels is the rhythm of the soul.”
Top 5 Ranked Teams
- Oly Rollers (Olympia, WA)
Undefeated and dominant, Oly led the rankings with precision strategy and powerful jammers. - Gotham Girls Roller Derby (New York, NY)
Always a strong contender, Gotham’s early-season wins and deep bench earned them second. - Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (Denver, CO)
Their physical game and smart track management gave them a top-three spot. - Texas Rollergirls (Austin, TX)
The founding league remained a force, with consistent performances across tough matchups. - Bay Area Derby (San Francisco, CA)
Climbing quickly, B.A.D. The girls showed balanced play and strong teamwork in the early 2010 bouts.
How Rankings Were Calculated
The 2010 Roller Derby Rankings used bout results, point differentials, and quality of opponents to assign national standing. The goal was not only to highlight the top-tier teams but also to encourage inter-regional play and elevate the level of competition.
Each region had standout teams, but the rankings helped clarify national trends and breakout performers. Leagues outside the top 10 gained motivation — and visibility — to schedule tougher opponents and push for higher standing.
Impact of the Rankings
These early rankings were more than just numbers. They sparked debate, inspired travel bouts, and added structure to a growing sport. Fans began to follow the league’s progress week by week. Rankings gave meaning to midseason upsets and allowed new fans to identify top teams to watch.
For many leagues, being listed in the 2010 Roller Derby Rankings became a badge of honor.
From the Archives
These rankings helped shape modern roller derby. They demonstrated that the sport could be competitive, organized, and played nationwide.
Learn more about the 2010 championship here.