(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Redcliffe to Host 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup
Brisbane, Australia – Redcliffe’s Talobilla Park will host the 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup, marking the tournament’s return to Australian soil for the first time since the inaugural championships in 1965.
Eight national teams will compete from April 5 to 11, 2027, in what the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) calls a “crucial” event for the sport’s push toward inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
A Key Step Toward Olympic Return
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari, who attended the official announcement in Redcliffe, said the finals represent the “next step” in securing Olympic status.
“The next World Cup will be very important. The attention of the world will be here,” he said.
Softball was excluded from the Paris 2024 Games but will return in Los Angeles in 2028 due to its popularity in the US, Japan, and other nations.
Investment in Facilities
To prepare for the event, a $4.8 million clubhouse and a 5,000-seat temporary grandstand will be built at Talobilla Park. The upgrades will also benefit the 700+ members of the Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association.
Funding will come from both the federal government and local council.
Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said the sport offers global appeal and does not require entirely new venues.
“We are going to help sell a lot of tickets and bring spectators to our grounds. The benefit is that we haven’t asked for completely new facilities,” Loh explained.
Strong Push for Brisbane 2032
Federal Sports Minister Anika Wells said the final list of sports for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games will be confirmed within the next 12 months.
“Additional sports come at a cost to the host city, but softball has strong commercial interest and strong community support,” she noted.
Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander also backed the case.
“Softball has been part of five previous Games. With more than 100,000 Australians playing the sport, participation is strong, and the case for inclusion in 2032 is very compelling,” he said.
Local Benefits for Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said hosting rights will provide both community and economic benefits.
“We expect more than 10,500 overnight visitors and an economic impact of $6.3 million. A global TV audience of around 60 million people will also shine a spotlight on our city,” he said.
“This is not just about sport—it’s about attracting investment, boosting tourism, and preparing for the 2032 Olympics.”
As part of winning hosting rights, Queensland will also stage national championships in the lead-up to the 2027 finals.
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