New WBSC Executive Board charts bright future for international Baseball/Softball

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Executive Board convened online on Monday, marking its second meeting following the successful 6th WBSC Congress in Bangkok, Thailand last month.

The meeting, the 33rd WBSC Executive Board meeting since 2014, underscored the WBSC’s continued drive towards excellence in governance, innovation in sport development, and integrity in leadership.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari opened the meeting by encouraging all Board members, including newly elected and reappointed representatives, to participate in open dialogue and collaboration as the WBSC continues to set a strong foundation for growth and achievement.

“The 6th WBSC Congress was a great success and marked a proud milestone for our organisation,” said President Fraccari. “The four years that now lie ahead of us will be filled with both great opportunities and significant challenges — years in which teamwork, dialogue, and vision will determine the strength and success of our Federation. We are a diverse and talented group, united by our shared passion for Baseball/Softball, and by our responsibility to serve the global community of our sport.”

President Fraccari extended a special welcome to the new Athlete Representatives, Stacey Porter and Joshua McGovern, who join returning members Randolph Oduber and Ayako Rokkaku. “Their presence ensures that the voices of our athletes are heard clearly and that their needs and perspectives continue to guide our policies,” he added.

WBSC Executive Director Michael Schmidt outlined an ambitious year ahead, with 17 international tournaments on the 2026 calendar — including the first-ever WBSC Premier12 qualifiers, the build-up to Baseball5’s debut at the Youth Olympic Games, and the continued preparations for Baseball/Softball’s appearance at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Some of the key decisions taken by the Executive Board during the meeting include the approval of a new regulation for the national management of Baseball5, providing clarity for countries/territories where both Baseball and Softball National Federations (NFs) coexist. The approved framework recognises two possible pathways for determining international representation:

• Mutual Agreement: One NF is formally designated to lead Baseball5 activities on behalf of both or a shared mechanism is established to select national teams.
• Competitive Selection: A sanctioned national competition determines which NF earns representation rights for that cycle.

The Board also formally approved the creation of the WBSC Hall of Fame, which will honour athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, and contributors who have made a lasting impact on the global development of Baseball/Softball.

President Fraccari described the Hall of Fame as “a historic step in recognising the legends who have shaped Baseball/Softball into the global game it is today.”

The meeting concluded with an Anti-Corruption Awareness Session for the Board members, reinforcing the WBSC’s commitment to good governance and transparency. The session addressed key topics including:

• The purpose and importance of anti-corruption education
• The legal framework surrounding corruption
• Common risks within sports organisations
• Prevention measures and safeguards within the WBSC structure