SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) announced they have named Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield as the League’s official venue for the 2026 season.
The stadium is operated by Golden Rule Entertainment which is partnering with the WPBL.
The WPBL developmental league will be based at Robin Roberts Stadium and will provide a pathway for young players into the Women's Pro Baseball League.
Golden Rule Entertainment owns and operates the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes, Quincy Doggy Paddlers, and Decatur Baseball Club, as well as the Summer Ball Summit.
“When the decision was made to play the 2026 WPBL season at a neutral venue, we wanted to select a city in the middle of the country between our four teams in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Boston. Robin Roberts Stadium not only offers a central, strategic location with convenient access to Chicago O’Hare and St. Louis international airports, but is a first rate venue where WPBL teams will be the only baseball played during our season. This will provide the kind of exclusivity that we wanted for our players. Moreover, we know that Golden Rule Entertainment is committed to women’s baseball and look forward to providing our players with the best possible experience throughout the 2026 season,” said Keith Stein, Co-founder of the WPBL.
Robin Roberts Stadium has a fixed-seating capacity of 5,200. It opened in May 1925.
It recently underwent significant renovations including the installation of a brand-new LED video board beyond the outfield wall, fan-cams, player profiles and digital partner content. Golden Rule Entertainment also has renovation and beautification projects planned for Robin Roberts Stadium ahead of WPBL’s inaugural season.
“Golden Rule Entertainment is honored to welcome the Women’s Pro Baseball League to Springfield for its inaugural season,” said Jamie Toole, Founder of Golden Rule Entertainment. “Hosting the world’s best female players at historic Robin Roberts Stadium is both a celebration of their incredible talent and a proud moment for our city. We can’t wait to showcase Springfield’s spirit, hospitality, and passion for the game to fans from across the country.”
The first game in which women were paid to play baseball was held in 1875 in Springfield. This game featured the Blondes and the Brunettes.
“I’ve had a longstanding relationship with Jamie Toole and I was delighted to bring the Robin Roberts Stadium opportunity to the League,” said Justine Siegal, WPBL Co-Founder. “The WPBL is honored to be playing its inaugural season in the capital of Illinois, the home of the state legislature and the home of Abraham Lincoln. Springfield is home to the widely attended state fair and will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66 in the summer of 2026. The WPBL is grateful for the support of Mayor Misty Buscher and Illinois State Senator Doris Turner.”
The WPBL’s inaugural season is set to start August 1, 2026, and will run through the second half of September featuring the League’s recently announced teams -– Los Angeles, New York, Boston and San Francisco. The WPBL’s season will follow the completion of the 2026 Women's Baseball World Cup being held in nearby Rockford, Illinois, from July 22–26, 2026.
The League will hold their first draft on November 20 starting at 7 p.m. Fans and players around the world can watch live on the WPBL's Instagram, TikTok and YouTube channels.
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