Tuesday 19 May 2026 | Kippa-Ring, QLD

The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 will be played at Kayo Stadium, elevating the LA28 Olympic qualifier to a world-class major-event venue and marking Queensland’s first major international team event on the green and gold runway to 2032.

The announcement was made this morning at Kayo Stadium, with Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh joined by City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery, Dolphins Group President Bob Jones, Federal Member for Petrie Emma Comer, Member for Redcliffe Kerrie-Anne Dooley and representatives from Redcliffe Leagues Softball Association and Softball Queensland, as well as members of the Aussie Spirit and Head Coach Kerrie Porter.

In a groundbreaking move, the NRL stadium will be converted into a purpose-built international softball diamond when the Aussie Spirit take on the other top seven nations in the world from 5 – 11 April 2027.

With endorsement from the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) the competition diamond will move from Talobilla Park to Kayo Stadium. Talobilla Park will remain a core part of the tournament footprint, serving as the Official Warm-Up and Training Venue, ensuring Redcliffe continues to play a central role in the World Cup experience.

Minister for Sport Anika Wells said the Albanese Government was committed to investing in women’s sport, whether that’s at a global or grassroots level.

“Kayo Stadium is going to be an incredible home for the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals. The Aussie Spirit will be competing in front of 10,000 fans in a world-class venue – that’s the atmosphere a LA28 Olympic qualifier deserves,” Minister Wells said.

“This isn’t just a tournament – it’s a legacy. Young girls around Australia will watch the Aussie Spirit compete on the world stage and dare to dream. That’s what sport does at its best, and that’s exactly why the Australian Government is proud to back it.”

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said hosting the Softball World Cup will encourage more Queensland women and girls to participate in the sport.

“We know that when the best athletes in the world compete in our backyard, as they will during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, more Queensland kids will be inspired to get out and be active,” Minister Mander said.

“Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and hosting major events like the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals next year will further enhance our state’s reputation globally.”

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said the move represents a significant step forward for the sport.

“Hosting the World Cup Finals at Kayo Stadium allows us to present women’s softball on a truly international stage,” said Loh.

“This is about elevating softball, showcasing our sport to new audiences, and creating more opportunities for people to discover and fall in love with softball, particularly young girls and women.”

The transformed stadium will deliver enhanced broadcast capability, spectator experience, and accessibility, positioning the Finals as one of the premier women’s sporting events in Australia in 2027.

The move also strengthens the event’s legacy impact, with Redcliffe set to benefit from new infrastructure, increased community engagement, national team activity, and international team presence throughout the tournament period.

Kayo Stadium has a capacity of 10,000 and is owned and operated by the Redcliffe Dolphins Rugby League Club. Opened in 1979 and redeveloped between 2016 and 2020, the venue features high-quality broadcast lighting, a video screen, modern player facilities, and excellent public transport access via Kippa-Ring train station.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said securing the Woman’s Softball World Cup Finals at Kayo Stadium was a major win for the City.

“Hosting this event in City of Moreton Bay reinforces our commitment to supporting sport and attracting major events that deliver lasting community and economic benefits,” said Flannery.

“I am delighted that we have been able to collaborate with our friends at The Dolphins and Softball Australia to support competition matches at Kayo Stadium, while at the same time continuing the legacy of the event at Talobilla Park serving as the Official Warm-Up and Training Venue, ensuring Redcliffe continues to play a central role in the World Cup experience.

“Council has worked hard to support this innovative approach and is delighted to welcome players, fans and team support to our City, further building our reputation as a destination for major sporting events.”

Fans can register for ticket updates via Softball Australia.

The WBSC Women’s World Cup Finals 2027 is supported by Australian Government, the City of Moreton Bay and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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