WBSC and Chinese Baseball Association sign MoU to strengthen country’s commitment to growing sport

The announcement marks one month to go to the start of the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, which takes place from 6-15 September in Shaoxing City, China.

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<p>The World Baseball Softball Confederation

(WBSC) and Chinese Baseball Association (CBA) have signed a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) to bolster the popularity and commercialisation of baseball

in China. </p>

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<p>This agreement - which is announced one month from the start of the <a href="https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-v-u-23-baseball-world-cup/home">WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup</a>, which takes place from 6-15 September in Shaoxing City, China - marks a significant step towards enhancing the level of the Chinese national teams, currently ranked 24th in the <a href="https://wbsc.org/en/rankings/baseball-m">WBSC/KONAMI Men’s Baseball World Ranking</a> and 14th in the <a href="https://wbsc.org/en/rankings/baseball-w">WBSC/KONAMI Women’s Baseball World Ranking</a>, and expanding baseball activities within the country.</p>

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<p>A key component of the MoU, which aims to foster a robust baseball environment in

China through structured programmes and collaboration with CBA, is the establishment of comprehensive training programmes and

regional hubs, which will allow children to develop their baseball skills and

provide specialised coaching for elite players, as well as coaches and

officials. This structured approach aims to foster a robust foundation for

baseball talent in China.</p>

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<p>The WBSC will also support the CBA in

encouraging investments in baseball infrastructure. This includes the

development of baseball fields and facilities, as well as boosting the

manufacturing of baseball apparel and equipment within the country. </p>

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<p>On the commercial front, the CBA plans to

upgrade its league system to enhance commercial operations. This strategic move

aims to integrate Chinese teams into WBSC-related international programmes,

elevating their competitive edge on the global stage.</p>

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<p>Pinghu, Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Yizheng,

Weihai, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Pingtan and Zhangzhou have all been

identified as primary locations for baseball development, with the regional

focus ensuring widespread access to baseball, nurturing the sport's growth

across the nation.</p>

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<p>WBSC President Ricardo Fraccari said: “The

signing of this Memorandum of Understanding between the WBSC and Chinese

Baseball Association represents a significant milestone in our shared mission

to grow and commercialise baseball in China. </p>

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<p>“By establishing comprehensive training programmes and regional hubs, the WBSC and CBA aim to nurture the next generation of baseball talent and elevate the performance of the Chinese national teams, which are already making their mark on the global stage.</p>

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<p>“The WBSC is committed to supporting the

CBA in their endeavours and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to CBA

President Xu Chen for his leadership and partnership."</p>

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