The Women’s Pro Baseball League: Everything we know about the WPBL’s 2026 start | OneFootball

For the first time in more than 70 years, a new women’s pro baseball league is returning to the US.

While the blockbuster movie A League of Their Own immortalized the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) of the 1940s, women’s pro baseball actually dates back to 1875. Now, the newly formed Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) aims to build on that deep legacy.

Back where it all began

The WPBL has officially named Springfield, Illinois, as the host city for its inaugural season. While Robin Roberts Stadium offers a convenient central hub, the location is also a deliberate nod to history.

It was in this very city, on September 11, 1875, that the first-ever paid women’s baseball game took place. Fans were charged admission and players were compensated, planting the earliest seeds of professionalism in the sport.

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Building on that foundation, the creation of the WPBL is a massive step forward. It not only expands the game but also creates a sustainable new approach for women to compete at the highest level.

Founding franchises representing San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Boston will lead the charge in this historic debut season.

Historic draft sets the stage

On November 20, the WPBL held its inaugural draft, selecting players from a pool of talent representing 14 different countries. That in itself was a clear testament to the rising tide of women’s baseball worldwide.

Kelsie Whitmore made history as the league’s first-overall pick, selected by the San Francisco franchise. It was a fitting honor for the two-way star, who has spent her career pitching in the independent Atlantic League.

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Following her selection, Whitmore appeared on CBS Mornings to rally support for the new league. She described the moment as the culmination of a lifelong dream.

“The dream was playing in the big leagues. Get as far as I could, play as long as I could, and as competitive as I could,” said Whitmore. “Having a women’s pro baseball league is, honestly, the most important thing in my life right now.

“In every professional league I’ve played in, I’ve always been the only girl on my team — or the only girl in my league.”

What to expect from the 2026 season

Launching with a fast-paced, tournament-style format, the WPBL’s inaugural season will begin in August 2026. It will run for seven weeks, featuring four weeks of regular-season play, one week of an all-star competition, and two weeks of playoffs.

Games will happen Thursday through Sunday, with teams competing twice weekly. Rosters will consist of approximately 15 players, with a trade window expected in January.

While the full schedule and broadcast partners are still unknown, more league details are to come as we head into the new year. You can follow all updates on the official WPBL website and social media channels.

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