In a significant shift for high school sports in the state, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has announced that baseball and softball state finals will consolidate into a single weekend event starting in 2026. This change aims to align these popular sports with other IHSA championships, which have already transitioned to this format. The current structure spans multiple weekends, with Class 1A and 2A games occurring one weekend, followed by Classes 3A and 4A the next. The decision follows positive feedback from similar changes in basketball and soccer tournaments.

The IHSA's Executive Director, Craig Anderson, expressed enthusiasm about the move, noting that the consolidated format has been well-received in other sports. He believes it will create an exciting conclusion to the season for both baseball and softball. The organization is currently exploring venues for the new format, with discussions focusing on maintaining existing partnerships while considering future options.

Currently, the softball finals are held at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex in Peoria, while baseball games take place at Dozier Park and Slammers Stadium. The contracts for these venues expire between 2025 and 2026. Anderson emphasized the strong relationship with Louisville Slugger, expressing optimism about continuing the partnership. For baseball, the IHSA remains open to various hosting scenarios, including multiple venues within a single city or maintaining the current split across two locations.

The IHSA is committed to honoring its existing contracts and working closely with community partners to ensure a seamless transition. The association plans to announce the dates for the 2025-26 series soon and will continue collaborating with stakeholders to determine the best approach for future state finals. This change marks a new era for high school baseball and softball championships, promising a more unified and exhilarating end-of-season experience.