Little League plans World Series expansion for baseball, softball

Each year, a select few Little League baseball and softball teams get the rare experience of playing in Little League World Series competitions in Williamsport, Pa., and Portland, Ore.

Beginning in 2021, Little League International officials want to give a few more children that chance, expanding the baseball series’ teams to 20 and the softball series’ teams to 12.

“The board has been discussing the future of the Little League International Complex and our World Series tournaments since restructuring our teenage divisions in 2016, with a goal of more support and programming for Little League participants and (of establishing) a long-term plan for improving the facilities at our Williamsport headquarters,” said Hugh Tanner, chairman for the Little League International Board of Directors.

With a 2021 launch date that will coincide with the Little League Baseball World Series’ 75th anniversary, the expansion will bring in an additional two teams from both the U.S. and international competition for baseball, and two additional teams over for softball.

“The heart of this expansion is providing more children and more volunteers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience at our World Series tournaments,” said Little League President and CEO Stephen D. Keener. “The only impact this will have on our local leagues is that there are more opportunities for more teams to participate in Williamsport and Portland.”

A regional realignment will provide teams with more opportunities to qualify for a World Series berth.

“The Little League World Series experiences in Williamsport and Portland are perhaps the most incredible moments these 10- to 12-year-olds will ever have,” Tanner said. “We want to provide that opportunity to more boys and girls each year and ensure that the facilities hosting these tournaments are ready to accommodate these additional teams, their families, and fans.”

Improvements in Williamsport

In addition to the expansion, the Little League International Board of Directors approved a series of facilities improvements to the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, Pa., including the addition of dormitories, as well as improved infirmary and laundry facilities, to accommodate the additional teams.

Enhancements to the fan experience are planned with improved parking, restrooms, a gift shop, and other areas. Little League International also will work with the Little League Softball World Series Tournament Committee for improvements to the facilities in Portland, Ore., to fully accommodate for the expansion of the Little League Softball World Series.

The overall project to enhance facilities in both Williamsport and Portland is estimated to cost $15 million.

To finance the facility improvements and expansion, Little League officials will use reserved funds to ensure there is no financial impact to local programs.

For a list of frequently-asked questions about the Little League expansion, see www.LittleLeague.org/2021.