The British Baseball Federation (BBF) has formally accepted a berth to enter a BBF Lions team into the 2026 Babe Ruth 13–16 World Series, to be held in Branson, Missouri, USA from 5–16 August 2026 (team arrival 4 August 2026). The tournament forms part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Babe Ruth League.
The BBF Lions will be led by Head Coach Ian Griebenow and will represent the Federation in this prestigious international competition.
While this is not a Great Britain national team entry, it is the official BBF berth. Selection will prioritise players currently in, or progressing through, the Great Britain (GB) pathway. This initiative reflects the BBF’s continued commitment to strengthening youth development and creating meaningful international playing opportunities aligned with the GB performance pathway.
The tournament is open to players born on or after 1 May 2009.
Selection Process
No roster decisions will be made prior to the completion of the Babe Ruth European Qualifiers in Breda, Netherlands.
Full selection criteria will be published in April 2026, following the conclusion of the European Qualifiers. In roster selection, priority consideration will be given to players who:
- Are currently in a GB National Team player pool;
- Have previously been in a GBNT player pool; or
- Demonstrate a clear and eligible progression into the GB pathway.
The BBF recognises that some players may have the opportunity to represent a different team at the same 2026 Babe Ruth Championships. Should a player choose to do so, that decision will be fully respected and will have no bearing on any future Great Britain selection opportunities.
Expressions of Interest
Players and families wishing to be considered for the BBF Lions squad are invited to complete the expression of interest form here: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM
The deadline for expressions of interest is 15 March 2026.
Players are welcome to both express interest in the BBF Lions programme and participate in the Babe Ruth European Qualifiers with their respective club teams. Submission of an expression of interest does not guarantee selection.
Notes to Players & Parents
Data Protection (UK GDPR):
Personal data submitted via the expression of interest form will be processed by the British Baseball Federation in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information will be used solely for the purposes of tournament administration, player identification, and selection processes, and will be retained only as long as necessary for those purposes. Data will not be shared with third parties except where required for tournament administration or by law.
Selection & Participation:
Submission of an expression of interest does not constitute selection, invitation, or confirmation of a roster place. Final roster decisions rest solely with the BBF and appointed coaching staff.
Health & Insurance:
All selected players will be required to confirm appropriate travel insurance, including medical and sports participation cover, and to complete medical and participation consent documentation prior to travel. Participation is at the player’s and parent/guardian’s own risk. The BBF will provide appropriate safeguarding and duty of care measures in line with its policies.
Travel & Costs:
Further information regarding programme structure, travel arrangements, and associated costs will be provided to shortlisted players following the publication of selection criteria.
For further information, please contact:
British Baseball Federation
Rod.mccurdy@britishbaseball.org.uk