The International University Sports Federation (FISU) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding that will run until 2030, pledging to expand baseball and softball within the university‑sport ecosystem.
A Strategic Partnership for University Sports
Under the agreement, FISU will urge its member federations to incorporate baseball and softball into their competition programmes, while WBSC will align eligible FISU events with its own calendar, ensuring a coherent global schedule.
FISU President Leonz Eder described the deal as an important milestone that will provide unique sporting events for student‑athletes worldwide.
The North Carolina 2029 World University Games will feature baseball and softball, and the confederation is also exploring the inclusion of Baseball5 and a beach‑games cluster in future editions.
WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari highlighted that the partnership strengthens the global development pathway for the sport and opens new avenues for student‑athletes to compete at the highest level.
Both organisations emphasise the role of sport as a platform for education, personal development and international exchange, aiming to enrich the university experience beyond the field of play.
The collaboration is expected to boost visibility for baseball and softball, attract new participants, and foster cross‑cultural dialogue among young athletes from diverse backgrounds.