Women's Professional Baseball League launches inaugural season in Springfield, Illinois

The Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) held its historic opening weekend at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on August 1, 2026. Four founding teams – the Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, Boston Hunters and San Francisco Firebells – played in front of a rain‑soaked crowd that included fans from across the United States as well as South Korea and Australia. Attendance was high enough that merchandise sales were limited to two items per fan.

Kelsie Whitmore, a two‑way pitcher/outfielder and former MLB Partner League player, was selected No. 1 overall in the league’s inaugural draft and serves as captain of the San Francisco Firebells. Whitmore, a Cal State Fullerton alumna and 2022 USA Baseball Sportswoman of the Year, said the WPBL provides a long‑awaited platform for women and girls to pursue professional baseball careers.