The Aeros were established as an expansion franchise when the Association grew from six to eight clubs after the 1969 season.

They were affiliated with the Cleveland Indians (1970–71), Chicago Cubs (1972–80), Texas Rangers (1981), Montreal Expos (1982–83) and Cincinnati Reds (1984).

The Bisons had existed in some form since the 1870s and (at the time playing at the Double-A level) used the Aeros' franchise to return to Triple-A baseball.

In 1987, the Beaumont Golden Gators of the Double-A Texas League transferred to Wichita and remained there through the 2007 season as the Wranglers.

The Wingnuts of the independent league baseball incarnation of the American Association played in Wichita between 2008 and 2019.