Black Derby Collective Qualified for World Championships
The all-Black roller derby team has secured a spot to compete at the WFTDA World Championships in Sweden.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Ice Skating
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The Black Derby Collective has qualified for the Women's Flat Track Derby Association World Championships. The all-Black women's roller derby team is set to compete in Malmö, Sweden, this week.
Why it matters
Members established the team to drive inclusion within a sport that has historically been predominantly white. The athletes seek a supportive environment where they can share their experiences while competing at the highest level.
The team qualified for the regional tournament after playing the mandatory 5 games. The organization operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
The players
Black Derby Collective
This all-Black women's roller derby team functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Erin Jackson
She is a speedskater who is also a member of the Black Derby Collective.
Women's Flat Track Derby Association
This is the international governing body that organizes the world championships for flat track roller derby.
The details
Formed roughly one year ago, the team brings together players from cities including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Seattle. The athletes often make personal financial and travel sacrifices to maintain their status as a nonprofit organization.
Timeline
May 2026: Team won the regional playoff tournament in Columbia, South Carolina.
October 2026: The team competes in the World Championships in Malmö, Sweden.
Season Trajectory
This qualification marks a major milestone in the expansion of competitive roller derby by diversifying the field at the Women's Flat Track Derby Association World Championships. The team's participation shifts the competitive landscape by bringing new representation to the international stage.
The team must now execute their roster strategy at the highest competitive level after successfully navigating the regional qualifying requirements. Their performance in Malmö will determine their standing in the international rankings.
The takeaway
The team demonstrates that organized advocacy can successfully challenge the demographics of niche sports. Their journey highlights the dedication required for athletes to build representative spaces within competitive leagues.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the sport at the Ice Skating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Andscape.
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