WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Rockford builds momentum with new sponsorship agreements
The International Women’s Baseball Center (IWBC) announced a series of partnership agreements as they prepare to host the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Rockford 2026, highlighted by the addition of The Sports Bra as a national partner and CJ Silas as the voice of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Rockford Stage.
IWBC and The Sports Bra are teaming up to deliver a unique, fans-focused experience at the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026, powered by U.S. presenting sponsor GoRockford. As the world’s first sports bar fully dedicated to women’s sports, The Sports Bra, which has taken the sports world by storm since opening its flagship location in 2022 in Portland, Ore., will activate World Cup Group Stage Week (July 22-26, 2026) through: all-ages promotions celebrating empowerment, diversity and building champions on and off the field; custom beverage and merchandise collabs; and The Sports Bra Night on Friday, July 24.
“The Sports Bra is thrilled to join forces with the IWBC team and world-class women's baseball to bring this historic event to Rockford,” said Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra. “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.”
The WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Rockford Stage LOC also announced CJ Silas – host and executive producer of The CJ Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280 in Arroyo Grande, CA, and a renowned women’s baseball media personality – as the lead public address announcer and program emcee for the tournament.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Silas’ storied career has included stadium announcing roles from the minor leagues to college, as well as by stints at KJR Sports Radio in Seattle, Wash., and at ESPN’s global headquarters in Bristol, Conn.
“I have been involved in baseball my entire life, played it as long as allowed,” Silas said. “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!”
“The IWBC is honoured 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. Kat Williams, IWBC CEO. “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 epicentre 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."
Returning in 2026-27 for the 10th edition, the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup will be played under the two stage format, with the Group Stage in 2026 and the Finals in 2027. One of the groups will be staged in Rockford from July 22-26, 2026. The second stage will be announced soon.
The IWBC also announced an exclusive partnership with Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, which joins as a Premier Sponsor and the Official U.S. Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) of the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage 2026. In addition, the City of Loves Park (Champion Sponsor), Raymond James (Home Run Sponsor), Rockford IceHogs (Home Run Sponsor), and Lino’s (In-Kind Sponsor) have joined as Group Stage 2026 partners. More details about these partnerships and others will be shared in the coming weeks.
“Hosting the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage in Rockford is about more than a tournament; it’s about making a statement for women’s sports and for our community. With The Sports Bra creating an all-ages, fan-first activation during World Cup Week and CJ Silas bringing her signature voice and energy to the ballpark, the experience here will be unforgettable for teams, families and fans,” said John Groh, GoRockford president/CEO. “GoRockford is proud to be the U.S. presenting sponsor as we welcome the world and showcase what makes our region such a special place to gather, compete, and celebrate.”