IWBC TO HOST WBSC WOMEN’S BASEBALL WORLD CUP FINALS 2027 IN ROCKFORD REGION

WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Set to Come Home to Rockford Area for Two Straight Summers ROCKFORD, Ill., February 23, 2026 – As announced today by the International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) and World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), IWBC has been selected to host the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals from July 19-25, 2027. In partnership with U.S. presenting sponsor GoRockford, the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals 2027 ensures the world’s most prestigious women’s baseball championship is headed to the Rockford region for a second-straight year, following the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026 that is set for this July.

Returning for a 10th edition in 2026-27, the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup is a two-stage championship featuring the world’s best women’s baseball players. Japan has won the last seven World Cups, while Team USA won the first two titles in 2004 and 2006. Other perennial top teams include Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Korea, and Mexico, among others.

“The IWBC is excited to welcome the 2027 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC CEO. “It is an honor to host the best of women’s baseball in Rockford during the summer of 2026 for the Group Stage and in 2027, when the world champions of women’s baseball will be crowned here, the Cradle of Women’s Baseball!”

Alongside GoRockford and community partners, IWBC announced in Summer 2025 that the Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026 is headed to Rockford – which will mark the first time ever that the event will be held in Illinois. After the Group Stage 2026 news conference, collaboration with the WBSC continued with the goal of bringing the World Cup Finals 2027 to the Rockford area, now set to be played at Rivets Stadium in neighboring Loves Park, Ill.

“We are thrilled to award the 2027 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals to Rockford and to continue our partnership with the International Women’s Baseball Center,” said WBSC president Riccardo Fraccari. “Rockford has consistently demonstrated an outstanding commitment to women’s baseball, and following the Group Stage in 2026, returning for the Finals in 2027 is a testament to the city’s world-class facilities, welcoming community, and deep baseball heritage. The 10th edition of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup promises to be a milestone celebration of excellence, growth, and opportunity for women and girls in baseball worldwide.”

“Rockford has a reputation as one of the nation’s most dynamic sports destinations, and hosting the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals in 2027 is a powerful affirmation of that strength. Our community continues to deliver world-class facilities, exceptional hospitality, and an unwavering commitment to athletes at every level. Welcoming the world’s best to compete here in the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup showcases not only our deep baseball heritage, but also the momentum and ambition that define Rockford today,” said John Groh, GoRockford president/CEO.

-MORE-

International Women’s Baseball Center | IWBC.orgPage 2 of 2, IWBC Selected to Host WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals in 2027 The WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup schedule and ticket packages will be announced soon, along with plans for fan-friendly activations at Rivets Stadium, Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, and other locations in the Rockford region. Visit http://www.IWBC.org/worldcup and follow IWBC on social for the latest updates.

Since its inception, IWBC’s programs have included camps, clinics and workshops, youth leagues and tournaments, educational conferences, traveling exhibits, community events, and hosting global events like the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup. IWBC also remains poised to deliver holistic impact for future generations by building, over three phases, a six-acre campus dedicated to the preservation and advancement of girls and women’s and baseball. After receiving $4.25 million in project commitments in 2025 – highlighted by $2.35 million in grants from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation ($2 million) and Amazin’ Mets Foundation ($350,000) – IWBC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony October 6, 2025, to commence the Phase One restoration of Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Park.

Scheduled for completion next summer, Beyer Stadium upgrades feature a professional-grade natural grass playing surface and other new amenities suited for all levels of play, ranging from local youth leagues to global sports events. Moreover, the green space north of the left-field fence will feature IWBC’s women’s baseball gallery – the world’s only outdoor exhibit honoring women’s baseball’s most significant achievements – and guest-friendly walking paths and recreation areas.

For more information about IWBC and the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup 2026-27, contact Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com or KWilliams@IWBC.org.

WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup – IWBC / Rockford Partners

▪ U.S. Presenting: GoRockford

▪ Premier: Bucciferro Family McDonald’s

▪ Champion: City of Loves Park, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, The Sports Bra

▪ Home Run: Raymond James, Rockford IceHogs

▪ In-Kind: Lino’s, Rockford Park District, Rockford Rivets, Rockford University, WIFR / WSLN, Windstar Lines

About IWBC: At the International Women’s Baseball Center, education is the cornerstone of our mission to protect, preserve, and promote all aspects of women’s baseball, both on and off the field. We strive to inspire the next generation of players by helping them realize their dreams of not only participating in the sport, but also of passing on all they learn and achieve for generations to come. For more information, visit http://www.IWBC.org.

Media Contacts: Dr. Kat Williams, CEO, International Women’s Baseball Center, KWilliams@IWBC.org, 304-617-4474; Nick Povalitis, founder, Plus Seven Company, Nick@PlusSevenCompany.com, 815-708-1644.

International Women’s Baseball Center | IWBC.org