Photo Cedit: Julie Cooper Photography 
Left to Right: Baseball Australia CEO - Glenn Williams, WBSC Executive Director - Michael Schmidt, WBSC President  Riccardo Fraccari - , Softball Australia CEO - Sarah Loh and Chief Operating Officer - Marco Ienna.

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) have landed in Australia, marking a defining moment on the journey towards the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.

Headquartered in Pully, Switzerland — adjacent to Lausanne, the home of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Capital — the WBSC is the world governing body for baseball and softball.

The delegation sent to Australia included President Riccardo Fraccari, Chief Operating Officer Marco Ienna and Executive Director Michael Schmidt. Softball Australia invited the WBSC to open their U23 Men’s National Championships and to advocate for baseball/softball’s inclusion into the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

WBSC President Fraccari expressed that "the WBSC is delighted to be in Brisbane alongside Baseball Australia and Softball Australia officials. Australia has long been a great baseball and softball country, and we are excited about the future of our sport here.”

“During our visit, we had the privilege of holding initial conversations with Brisbane 2032 officials over the potential inclusion of baseball/softball in the upcoming Olympic Games. We sincerely appreciate the time and attention of the Brisbane Olympics Organising Committee.

“The WBSC remains committed to working with our partners in Australia and ensuring baseball and softball’s continued success on the world stage."

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh shared her enthusiasm for what's on the horizon.

"Softball Australia are delighted to host the WBSC’s visit to Brisbane to discuss our continued collaboration. We enjoy a great relationship with the WBSC and its leadership, working together to advance our sport in Australia.”

“We're proud to showcase our world-class players, and program to the WBSC while also using this opportunity to learn key insights ahead of an important chapter in Softball Australia's history as we begin our campaign towards LA28 " Ms. Loh said.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams also welcomed the delegation’s visit as a significant moment for the sport.

“Having President Fraccari and the other representatives from the WBSC in Australia is a true commitment to Baseball and Softball in Australia and the importance of having the sports in the Brisbane 2032 games," Mr. Williams said. "Baseball Australia and Softball Australia are aligned and are excited about what a home games for our sports would mean for everyone involved and the future generation of our players.”

As part of the visit, the WBSC delegation, alongside Baseball Australia and Softball Australia representatives, met with Brisbane 2032 Chief Executive Officer, Cindy Hook and Director of Sport, Brendan Keane at their headquarters on Wednesday 7 February. The meeting, which included WBSC President Fraccari, Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams OLY (2004), and Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss baseball/ softball’s global reach, strong Australian heritage, plans for the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, and aspirations for Brisbane 2032.

The discussion was further enriched by the insights of Olympians Tanya Harding OLY, four-time Olympian, 4 x medallist, and Stacey Porter, three-time Olympian, 2 x medallist, as well as Tim Atherton, Australian Baseballer League player and Australian National Baseball Team representative, who shared their experiences on the profound impact that softball and baseball have had on their lives, from junior levels to professional careers.

The WBSC visit comes as Australia prepares for a pivotal few years in international baseball and softball, with upcoming World Cups and Olympic qualification pathways taking shape.

For more information on WBSC’s global initiatives and Australia’s role in the international baseball and softball landscape, visit WBSC.org.