ROCKFORD, Ill. — The organizer of a major women’s baseball tournament is gathering national support for the event.
On Thursday, the International Women’s Baseball Center announced partnerships as it prepares to host the World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage this summer.
IWBC is teaming up with The Sports Bra as a national partner and CJ Silas as the PA announcer for the games.
The Sports Bra was described as the world’s first sports bar dedicated only to women’s sports. Its main location opened in Portland, Oregon, in 2022. The bar plans to add a second location in St. Louis in 2026.
IWBC said The Sports Bra will highlight World Cup Group Stage Week, from July 22 through 26, through all-ages programs celebrating diversity and leadership, special drink and merchandise collaborations, and The Sports Bra night on July 24.
The Sports Bra’s CEO and founder, Jenny Nguyen, said they couldn’t think of a better event in women’s baseball to promote.
“From an organization rooted in legacy to a brand that reimagines the women’s sports fan experience, we could not think of a more fitting partnership to truly highlight the next great movement in women’s baseball,” said Nguyen.
CJ Silas is also joining the event as its PA announcer. Silas hosts and executive produces The CJ Silas Show on ESPN radio.
Silas said she has been involved in baseball her whole life and jumped at the chance to announce for this summer’s event.
“I have been involved in baseball my entire life, played it as long as allowed,” said Silas. “I always dreamed of being a USA baseball announcer or announcing for a women’s professional baseball league. I am extremely grateful that I get this chance in Rockford, Illinois, to announce the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage – I’m so glad I never gave up!”
IWBC CEO Dr. Kat Williams said The Sports Bra and Silas will improve the World Cup Group Stage experience for both fans and players.
“The IWBC is honored to partner with The Sports Bra for the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage this summer. As the nation’s first women’s sports bar, The Sports Bra continues to be the gold standard and it will certainly bring the best of women’s baseball to Rockford,” said Dr. Williams.
“CJ Silas has long been a voice in baseball and now she is the voice of women’s baseball. As we make Rockford the global epicenter of women’s baseball this summer, CJ will be there to bring that excitement to the world and we could not be more pleased to have her on our team.”
The 10th edition of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage will take place at Rivets Stadium in Loves Park from July 22 through July 26.
The top three finishers from the Group Stage advance to the Final Stage in 2027. The host city for the Final Stage is to be announced.
It was first announced the local area would be hosting the world event in June 2025.
While Rivets Stadium will host the games, historic Beyer Stadium in Rockford will serve as the teams’ practice field during the tournament. It’s being renovated right now with help from the owners of the New York Mets.
To learn more and stay up to date with IWBC and the Women’s Baseball World Cup, visit IWBC’s website.