In a groundbreaking move, the Women's Pro Baseball League has announced its plans to launch in 2026, marking a historic milestone for women's sports. This league, co-founded by Justine Siegal and Keith Stein, will be the first and only professional baseball league for women in the United States, providing a long-awaited platform for female athletes to showcase their talents and passion for the game.

Empowering Women to Reach New Heights in Baseball

A Decades-Long Dream Realized

The announcement of the Women's Pro Baseball League has been met with immense excitement and anticipation from women and girls across the country who have long dreamed of a professional league they can call their own. For over 70 years, the absence of such a league has been a glaring gap in the sports landscape, leaving countless talented female athletes without a clear path to pursue their baseball aspirations at the highest level. The co-founders, Justine Siegal and Keith Stein, have recognized this need and are determined to create a space where women can thrive and inspire future generations.

Trailblazing Coaches and Advisors

The league has assembled an impressive team of trailblazers and experts to guide its development. Justine Siegal, the founder of Baseball For All, a nonprofit that provides opportunities for girls to play and coach baseball, has made history herself as the first female coach in MLB when she was hired as a guest instructor for the Oakland A's in 2015. Joining her as a special advisor is Ayami Sato, a decorated Japanese pitcher, and Cito Gaston, the former MLB manager who led the Toronto Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series championships.

Securing a National Broadcast Deal

The league's commitment to providing a national platform for its players is evident in its efforts to secure a broadcast deal for the inaugural 2026 season. This move will ensure that the league's games are accessible to audiences across the country, amplifying the visibility and recognition of the talented female athletes who will take the field. By securing a national broadcast deal, the Women's Pro Baseball League is poised to capture the attention of sports fans nationwide and inspire a new generation of young girls to pursue their baseball dreams.

Expansion and Growth

While the league will launch with six teams primarily based in the Northeast, the long-term vision is to expand across the United States. This strategic approach will allow the league to establish a strong foundation in its initial markets while gradually expanding its reach and providing opportunities for female athletes in various regions. The league's executives have expressed their commitment to this growth, recognizing the immense potential and demand for a professional women's baseball league.

Capitalizing on the Momentum of Women's Sports

The announcement of the Women's Pro Baseball League comes at a time when the expansion of women's professional sports is at the forefront of many Americans' minds. The success of leagues like the WNBA, which recently experienced a record-setting season with 54 million unique viewers, and the NWSL, which is expected to announce a 16th franchise by the end of the year, has demonstrated the incredible interest and support for women's sports. The co-founders of the Women's Pro Baseball League believe that this momentum will propel their league to new heights, providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their skills and inspire the next generation.

A Transformative Impact on the Sport

The launch of the Women's Pro Baseball League has the potential to transform the sport of baseball as a whole. By providing a professional platform for women, the league will not only create new opportunities for female athletes but also challenge the traditional perceptions and gender barriers that have long existed in the sport. The presence of the Women's Pro Baseball League will inspire young girls to pursue their baseball dreams, fostering a more inclusive and diverse landscape within the sport. Moreover, the league's success has the power to influence the development of women's baseball programs at the youth and collegiate levels, further expanding the opportunities for female athletes to excel in the game they love.