The Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) officially launched on August 1, 2026, in Springfield, Illinois, marking a historic return of professional women’s baseball in the U.S. after more than seven decades. Despite challenging weather that delayed the start and limited batting practice, the league’s debut game drew a sold-out crowd eager to witness this milestone. The Los Angeles Queens overcame an early deficit to defeat the New York Heights 10-8, with notable moments including Maggie Foxx recording the first league hit and Denae Benites hitting the inaugural home run. The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Maybelle Blair, a veteran from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and an honorary chair of the WPBL.

The WPBL was founded by Commissioner Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach a major league team, aiming to build enthusiasm around women’s baseball. The league features four teams, each with 15 players representing 11 countries, including standout athletes like Mo’ne Davis and Kelsie Whitmore. The league operates under a $95,000 salary cap per team, which averages around $6,000 per player for the six-week season. The players were selected from a pool of over 600 who tried out the previous summer, highlighting global talent from places such as the U.S., Australia, and Japan’s Venus League.

Among the notable players are Mo’ne Davis, who gained fame leading her Little League World Series team in 2014, and Kelsie Whitmore, the WPBL’s first draft pick who boasts professional experience across several teams. Japan’s Ayami Sato, known for her powerful pitching, also plays for the Los Angeles Queens. The league is leveraging streaming partnerships, with ESPN broadcasting all 37 games and additional coverage through media deals, to draw attention and boost its profile. The WPBL’s social media presence has already attracted over 600,000 followers.

Each team honors pioneering women who made significant strides in different fields, from civil rights leader Dorothy Irene Height inspiring the New York Heights, to the Los Angeles Queens named after baseball trailblazer Lizzie Murphy. Boston Hunters celebrate Harriot K. Hunt, an early female medical school applicant. Situated centrally and rich in historical significance, Springfield was chosen as the league’s home for the inaugural season as the league focuses on keeping costs low and building interest to pave the way for expansion and true home stadiums in future years. The WPBL’s success will be gauged by attendance and viewership growth as the season progresses.