US EditionWomen's Professional Baseball League to Play First Season in Illinois
The league's inaugural season features four teams with internationally diverse players and over 600 tryout participants, aiming for growth and sustainability.
- Yesterday, the Women's Professional Baseball League announced its inaugural season will be held in Springfield at 5,200-seat Robin Roberts Stadium, with rosters set by a Nov. 20 draft broadcast live on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
- Choosing Springfield as the site was both logistical and symbolic, citing Robin Roberts Stadium's exclusivity, proximity to Chicago and St. Louis , and its history as the first paid women's baseball game site in 1875.
- Tryouts drew more than 600 hopefuls in Washington, D.C., culling to around 100 draft-eligible players; each team will have 15 players, play two games per week, and share a $95,000 pay pool.
- The league will add a developmental tier in 2027 based in Springfield, with Golden Rule Entertainment and Jamie Toole overseeing and planning Robin Roberts Stadium renovations.
- The WPBL says the inaugural season positions it to showcase international talent, including Mo'ne Davis and Kelsie Whitmore, with Gianelloni stating, `When you see the high level of play and the passion the women play with, it's going to be pleasantly surprising`.
15 Articles
15 Articles
San Francisco takes former Oakland Ballers pitcher Kelsie Whitmore as No. 1 overall pick in WPBL draft
Kelsie Whitmore made more history on Thursday night when she was picked first overall by the San Francisco franchise in the Women’s Pro Baseball League inaugural draft. Less than an hour later, Livermore’s Arwen McCullough had her dream come true when she also became part of her new hometown team’s history-making draft class. Whitmore, 27, already has strong Bay Area ties and has long been a pioneer for women in baseball. In 2016, she and Stacy …
San Francisco takes former Oakland Ballers pitcher Kelsie Whitmore as No. 1 overall pick in WPBL draft
Kelsie Whitmore made more history on Thursday night when she was picked first overall by the San Francisco franchise in the Women’s Pro Baseball League inaugural draft. Less than an hour later, Livermore’s Arwen McCullough had her dream come true when she also became part of her new hometown team’s history-making draft class. Whitmore, 27, already has strong Bay Area ties and has long been a pioneer for women in baseball. In 2016, she and Stacy …
Springfield named official host city for 2026 Women's Pro Baseball League season
The Women’s Pro Baseball League will kick off its inaugural season next summer, and Illinois’ capital will play host to that campaign. According to a press release from the league, Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield will play host to the league beginning in August 2026, with the entire season, All-Star Game and playoffs all taking place at the venerable ballpark. “In August 2026, the WPBL will take the field for its first season—an opportunity…
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