October 23, 2025 – For the first time in over seven decades, women will once again take center field in a professional baseball league. The newly formed Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) has officially announced its four inaugural teams, which will call Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco home. The league’s historic debut season is set to begin in May 2026, marking a new chapter in American sports history.
“Each of these cities boasts deep baseball roots and passionate fan bases, forming the backbone of a league designed to honor the sport’s heritage while pushing it into the future.” – WPBL
Reviving a Legacy
The WPBL will be the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States since the legendary All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) which ran from 1943 – 1954. Founded by Philip K. Wrigley during World War II, the AAGPBL lived by the spirited motto “Do or die!” and inspired the iconic film “A League of Their Own.”
Now, more than 70 years later, the WPBL aims to build on that trailblazing foundation—giving the next generation of women athletes a professional platform to showcase their talent and love for the game.
Draft, Players, and Season Structure
Each WPBL team will feature 15 players, selected from the top 100 athletes who tried out for the league in August 2025. The official draft will take place in November, with all players required to be at least 18 years old by May 1, 2026.
The inaugural season will span approximately seven weeks, including:
- Four weeks of regular-season play
- One week dedicated to an All-Star showcase at a neutral site
- Two weeks of intense postseason playoffs
Games will be played Thursday to Sunday, with each team playing two games weekly. Players will attend a four-day training camp before Opening Day and keep up their individual conditioning.
To support its athletes, the WPBL will provide housing and travel stipends, and players will be paid per game based on their draft position. Aluminum bats will be used across all competition.
Building Toward the Future
While ballpark and practice locations are still being finalized, league organizers have promised schedules that avoid conflicts with other major women’s baseball events, ensuring players can fully commit to their WPBL teams.
Fans can begin following the league’s development and get acquainted with the athletes who make the draft later this fall.
After decades of waiting, women’s professional baseball is stepping back into the spotlight—ready to inspire, compete, and make history once again.
Related
Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky! Cover photo provided by the WPBL
Come As You Are Sports 