Australia will once again stage a Women’s Softball World Cup more than six decades after hosting the inaugural edition. The World Baseball Softball Confederation -WBSC- confirmed that Redcliffe, in the state of Queensland, will be the venue for the 2027 Finals. The tournament will bring together the world’s top eight national teams at Talobilla Park, just north of Brisbane, from 5 to 11 April 2027.
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari travelled from Switzerland to make the announcement in person, calling it a “historic moment.” “The best eight teams in the world will be here… the attention of the world will be here,” he said. Fraccari described the event as a bridge between Australia’s deep roots in the sport and its Olympic ambitions: “We hope to see softball included in the Brisbane 2032 Games.”
A step towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympics
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh stressed that the tournament will be crucial in strengthening the case for softball’s inclusion in the Olympic programme. “I think we’ve got an excellent case,” she said, noting that last year’s Women’s World Cup in Italy attracted more than 64 million views worldwide. “We know we have significant global appeal for sponsors and fans,” she added.
Australia’s federal government has backed the event with funding of 750,000 dollars. Sports Minister Anika Wells highlighted its importance in the build-up to Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032: “It’s so important to provide the ideal launch pad on the runway to Brisbane 2032,” she said. Wells also pointed out that Queensland has the country’s largest player base, with 6,428 registered members.
Redcliffe prepares to showcase the sport
City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery described hosting rights as the biggest sporting event in the region’s history. With more than 700 members in its local club, Redcliffe is preparing to welcome thousands of fans and some of the world’s best athletes. “For people who come here, it will be a chance to see the stars of this sport up close,” he said.
From the Queensland government, Sports and Olympic Minister Tim Mander underlined the inspirational role the event will play for young athletes. “One hundred thousand people play softball in Australia, Queensland has the highest participation rate, and we want that number to keep rising,” he said.
Returning home after 60 years
The first Women’s Softball World Cup was held in February 1965 at Albert Park in Melbourne, featuring teams from Australia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the United States. The host nation defeated the Americans 1-0 in the final to claim the inaugural title.
Among those attending the announcement in Redcliffe was Margaret Swann, a member of that pioneering 1965 squad. “We’re going to see so many Australians enjoying softball… it’s going to be right up there with everything else,” she said. For Swann, the 2027 tournament offers today’s players the chance to follow the Olympic dream: “To be an Olympian, that would be lovely.”
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