As the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) prepares for the upcoming 2024 Premier12 tournament in two weeks, they’ve announced exciting plans for the future of the event. Premier12 will expand from 12 teams to 16 teams in 2027.
The WBSC Executive Board approved the decision and format change. By the end of 2025, The top 12 teams will earn an automatic bid for the tournament. Now, 20 countries will be able to compete, with two qualification tournaments before the 16 teams head into the four-group Opening Round. For the teams ranked 13-18, they will play for the Premier12 Qualifiers, which will also include two Wild Card teams.
The event taking place in 2027 will help to serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “From 2027, an increased number of countries will participate in the WBSC Premier12, which will offer more opportunities globally and expand the Premier12 brand moving forward,” stated WBSC President Ricardo Fraccari. He also said, “Ahead of the Olympic Games in 2028, the fourth edition promises to build on what we are sure will be a successful tournament next month, culminating in a brilliant final in Tokyo.”
The excitement will undoubtedly be felt globally as more teams will have a chance to showcase their skills from their respective countries. The WBSC’s third edition of the Premeir12 tournament begins on November 9 and will run until November 24.
Photo Credit: WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari speaks during the World Baseball Softball Confederation Congress in Gaborone on October 14, 2017. (MONIRUL BHUIYAN/AFP via Getty Images)
