The 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Congress took place on October 18th 2025 in Bangkok Thailand.
The British Baseball Federation (BBF)’s representation at this global assembly is a critical part of our commitment to maintaining strong international ties and ensuring the interests of British baseball are acknowledged and promoted at the highest levels of the sport.
Representing the British Baseball Federation as our official delegate was ex BBF president Tom Thornhill. The BBF was joined by Lesley Morisetti, President of the British Softball Federation (BSF).
What was discussed:
The following key items were discussed:
LA28 and Brisbane Olympic Games: Discussions centered on maximising the impact of baseball’s confirmed inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Games and status of the Australian delegation to discuss their proposals for the long-term inclusion of baseball and softball in the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Blind Baseball: We participated in discussions regarding the continued growth of Blind Baseball, the WBSC’s first officially recognised parasport discipline. Having been hosts of the Blind Baseball International Cup in the past, the BBF firmly supports the global efforts to achieve official recognition for the discipline by the International Paralympic Committee as well as next year’s upcoming Blind Baseball World Cup.
WBSC Development Grants System: We engaged in detailed discussions regarding the updated WBSC Development Grants System, which offers financial assistance to NFs like the BBF. More details of this will become available.
WBSC Coach Licensing Framework: The WBSC provided an update on their still developing WBSC Coach and Umpiring Licensing Grades and the international standards being implemented. This framework, managed through the WBSC Academy, aims to establish globally recognised standards of coaching excellence.
What is the WBSC?
The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the globally recognisedgoverning body for baseball, softball, and Baseball5. The WBSC is responsible for:
• Organising and regulating all official international competitions, including Baseball World Cups.
• Advocating for the inclusion of baseball and softball in multi-sport events, most notably the Olympic Games.
• Establishing worldwide rules, technical standards, and good governance principles for all member federations.
What is the WBSC Congress?
The WBSC Congress is the supreme governing and decision-making authority of the World Baseball Softball Confederation. The Congress is typically convened biennially (every three-four years) and is attended by official delegates from all National Federations (NFs) across the globe.
Its primary functions include:
• Elections: Electing the WBSC President, Executive Board, and other key officials.
• Statutes and Governance: Reviewing, debating, and approving amendments to the WBSC Statutes and international regulations.
• Strategic: Ratifying the WBSC’s financial reports and approving the strategic plan that guides the growth and development of the sport worldwide.
• Membership: Reviewing applications and ratifying new member federations.
Attendance is important for the BBF to exercise its voting rights, influence global policy, and secure opportunities for Great Britain’s national teams.