The WBSC Premier12 will expand to involve 16 teams starting in 2027, highlighting the success of the first two editions of the World Baseball Softball Confederation‘s (WBSC) flagship event.
The WBSC Executive Board approved the format change before the third edition, which involves the 12 best teams in the world. WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking at the end of 2023 and will be held in Guadalajara and Tepic (MEX), Taipei City (TPE) and Nagoya (JPN) from November 9 to 18, with the Super Round and Finals taking place at the Tokyo Dome in November 21 to 24.
Japan is the current champion, having won the last edition in 2019, but in 2027, 20 countries will have the chance to go for glory, with two qualifying tournaments before 16 teams take part in a four-group Opening Round.
The top 12 teams in the WBSC/Konami Men’s Baseball World Rankings at the end of 2025 will qualify directly for the 2027 Group Stage, while the teams ranked 13 to 18 and two Wild Cards will play in the Premier12 Qualifying Tournaments to define the other four participants in the Group Stage.
In addition to the exciting new format, the 2027 WBSC Premier12 arrives just one year before baseball makes its return to the Olympic Games sports program in Los Angeles 2028.
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari hailed the expansion as a historic moment for WBSC and proof of baseball’s continued growth.
President Fraccari said: “Starting in 2027, more countries will participate in the Premier12 WBSC, offering more opportunities globally and expanding the Premier12 brand in the future.
“Following the success of the first two editions, there was a positive response to the proposed changes among all our marketing partners and key stakeholders, and we are sure that fans will love to see more teams involved.
“Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, 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.”
