Softball World Cup win for Redcliffe

Photo: City of Moreton Bay Councillor Karl Winchester, Mayor Peter Flannery, Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh, Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway and Councillor Sandra Ruck.

The best female softballers in the world will be heading to Talobilla Park, on the Redcliffe Peninsula, for the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in 2027.

It will be the benchmark global softball event ahead of the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

The eight best teams in the world will contest the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in April 2027, with four games per day played across six days, showcasing Queensland as Australia’s premier sporting destination.

Sport, Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister Tim Mander says the event is a coup for Queensland.

“We want to see more global sporting events call Queensland home over the next seven years to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Women’s Softball World Cup is a perfect fit,” Minister Mander says.

“This is a sport with a strong Olympic history, having been included in the Games in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2020, and it’s fantastic to see it returning at LA 2028.

“We all remember the impact of the Matildas in 2023. Competing on home turf in a Softball World Cup in 2027 will inspire more young women to emulate their sporting heroes on the field.”

Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says major sporting events, such as this one, provide a significant tourism boost for local communities, attracting international visitors.

“Teams from around the world will be staying for an extended period and enjoying all that Queensland has to offer while thousands of locals will turn out to watch the games and take part in a range of community activities,” he says.

Federal Sport Minister Anika Wells says the Softball World Cup is another great addition to the green and gold runway towards 2032.

“We are committed to investing in women’s sport, whether that’s at a global or grassroots level – and I’m proud we’ve been able to help secure the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals for 2027,” Minister Wells says.

“The Softball World Cup will build on our successful hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the Women’s Asian Cup next year, the Netball World Cup in 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2029 – all events the Albanese Government has invested tens of millions of dollars to host.

“This event means our Aussie Spirit side can have home support for what will be the first Softball World Cup in Australia since 1965.”

Raising city’s profile

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery says Council is proud to be providing the venue for the event, which will help lift local participation in the sport and raise the city’s global profile.

“We are thrilled to be hosting this major international women’s sporting event, which will boost participation in softball locally and showcase our facilities at Talobilla Park at Kippa-Ring, including a new softball clubhouse,” he says.

“With eight countries competing, our community will get to see many of the sport’s greatest athletes in action while our local businesses will benefit from increased tourist activity.

“This event is expected to generate more than 10,500 visitor nights and contribute $6.3 million in economic spend. Additionally, it is anticipated to have a global TV audience of around 60 million and a similar social reach as softball is very strong in Japan, South Korea and the USA among other countries.

“The influx of visitors and global attention on our city will support our push for more hotel investment ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. We’d love to see softball part of the 2032 Games, and we are investigating how we can support their push for inclusion in the sports program.”

State Member for Redcliffe Kerri Anne Dooley says securing the Softball World Cup is a win for Redcliffe.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase Redcliffe on the world stage and a welcomed boost to the local economy,” Ms Dooley says.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh says the tournament will be a boost for the sport in Queensland.

“The return of the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup to Australian soil is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation with Olympic dreams, boost grassroots participation and deliver lasting benefits to local communities,” Ms Loh says.

“The strong support from all levels of Government to bring the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup to Brisbane is both welcome and vital.”