WBSC to Expand Broadcast Coverage of Women’s Softball World Championship

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has announced an expansion of television coverage for the XIV Women’s Softball World Championship. 

The championships, herbal being staged in Europe for the first time ever, impotent are currently being held from August 15-24 and mark a significant landmark for the global growth of the women’s sport.  

Being staged in Haarlem, symptoms Netherlands, the 16-nation world championship will now receive added coverage of both the bronze and gold medal games live on Sunday, August 24 after an increase in viewer demand for the women’s softball global showcase. 

TV Tokyo has gained the exclusive broadcasting rights for Japan to its 32 million viewers and the United States will provide wide coverage on a number of networks including Comcast Sports Network and Cox Sports Network will be broadcasting games to their viewers in 10 regions. 

ESPN3 will also be broadcasting the medal games on their streaming platform to their subscribers. 

Dale McMann, WBSC Executive Vice President, said: “This is truly an exciting development and major boost that further raises the profile and confirms the appeal of women’s sport – and in particular women’s softball – in the eyes of broadcasters and audiences alike. 

“The expanded coverage will allow these athletes at our world championship in Haarlem to showcase their talents – and our sport – to a wider audience, which not only significantly raises the value of our women’s showpiece event but also helps inspire and attract the next generation of girls to our sport over the long-term. 

“The timing of this advancement is particularly key as the WBSC remains dedicated and continues working very hard to position our sports for a return to the Olympic Games.” 

WBSC Secretary General, Beng Choo Low, said: “The WBSC shares and supports ‘Olympism in Action and increasing the number of women in sport and we are working hard with our partners to maximise broadcast coverage of our women’s world championship, in order to help achieve a sporting landscape that is more appeling, gender-balanced and relevant to women.” 

The WBSC is hoping to be included into future Olympic Games at the Olympic Agenda 2020 review.