Softball Australia Cup launches in Brisbane 2026 with International Tri-Series

Softball Australia is proud to unveil ‘Softball Australia Cup’, a new international invitational tournament set to debut at Downey Park, Brisbane, from 29 January – 1 February 2026.

The inaugural event will see the Australian Women’s National Team (Aussie Spirit) host world No.1 Japan and long-standing rivals, the New Zealand White Sox—two nations that, alongside Australia, competed in the very first Women’s Softball World Cup held in Melbourne in 1965. Their participation in the 2026 Softball Australia Cup adds a historic dimension to what promises to be a premier international showcase.

Softball Australia Cup evolves from the successful Australia Pacific Cup, continuing its legacy of world-class international competition while establishing a clear and strengthened pathway toward the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, the LA 2028 Olympic Games, and the next generation of global softball events.

The 2026 tournament marks the first time since 2020 that Japan will compete on Australian soil, providing crucial preparation ahead of the 2027 World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Queensland.

Softball Australia CEO Sarah Loh said the launch of the new tournament was a key pillar in Softball Australia’s World Cup legacy plan.

“Softball Australia Cup is the next chapter in our invitational offering. Building on the success of the Pacific Cup, this global-focused concept opens the tournament to the world and ensures our athletes face the highest-level international competition right here at home. We’re thrilled to launch this event as part of our legacy-building pathway toward the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals in Redcliffe, Queensland.”

The event will feature a round-robin tri-series, with three games per day, culminating in a championship final between the top two teams to determine the winner of the 2026 Softball Australia Cup.

Fans can also enjoy a range of community and engagement activities, including a junior softball skills clinic hosted by the Aussie Spirit on Thursday 29 January, photo and autograph opportunities with all teams, and the release of limited-edition merchandise available both onsite and online.

Aussie Spirit Head Coach Kerrie Porter said the new tournament represents an important stepping stone in Australia’s high-performance journey.

“Softball Australia Cup is a vital milestone for our squad. We’re determined to build on the momentum we’ve created. With Japan continuing to set the global standard and our fierce rivalry with New Zealand pushing us to be better, every innings is an opportunity to elevate Australian softball.”

In line with Softball Australia’s commitment to growing the game and welcoming more fans into the community, the inaugural Softball Australia Cup will be free to attend.