WBSC

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the international federation that governs the sports of baseball and softball. It administers world championships, sanctions international events, and coordinates Olympic qualification and development programs for the two disciplines. The WBSC was established in 2013 through the merger of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) and the International Softball Federation (ISF), with the aim of creating a unified global governing body for both sports. It is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for baseball and softball.

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, the WBSC is governed by a president and an executive board, with several commissions overseeing disciplines, competitions, development, and technical standards. The federation unites national governing bodies from around the world, with member associations spanning six continents. It maintains world rankings for national baseball and softball teams and oversees the calendar of major international events, including world championships for various age groups as well as Olympic and qualification tournaments.

Beyond competition administration, the WBSC engages in governance and development activities such as coaching education, umpiring standards, anti-doping compliance, and efforts to expand participation in emerging markets. The organization works in coexistence with other bodies, including the International Olympic Committee and, for certain events, private stakeholders, to promote international play and the growth of baseball and softball worldwide.