diff --git a/pyproj/__init__.py b/pyproj/__init__.py
index c95f60794..a8deacf40 100644
--- a/pyproj/__init__.py
+++ b/pyproj/__init__.py
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@
 LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT,
 NEGLIGENCE OR OTHER TORTIOUS ACTION, ARISING OUT OF OR IN
 CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS SOFTWARE. """
-__version__ = "2.5.0"
+__version__ = "2.6.0rc0"
 __all__ = [
     "Proj",
     "Geod",