A 24K gold-plated trophy that hasn't been on Australian soil since 1965 was unveiled at Kayo Stadium this week, giving fans a first look at the prize the world's best softball nations will pitch for on home turf next April. 

The reveal comes ahead of tickets for the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals 2027 going on sale on Thursday 8 October, at 1pm AEST. 

The brass trophy was made in Italy, and its shape comes from the tournament logo and the arc of a softball swing. From 5 to 10 April 2027, eight nations will compete at Kayo Stadium for the right to lift it. The Aussie Spirit will take on reigning world and Olympic champions Japan and 12-time winners USA. 

Aussie Spirit athletes, former internationals and local junior players gathered for the unveiling. They were joined by Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander, Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley MP and City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery. 

The final eight teams were set after September's World Cup Group Stages, where USA, Mexico and wildcard entry China won their places. They join hosts Australia alongside Canada, Chinese Taipei, Puerto Rico and Japan, who beat USA 6-1 to win the 2024 title. 

There's more than a world title at stake. The tournament is the first qualifying event for the LA28 Olympic Games. Only five teams will join host nation USA there, so every result counts. It is also Queensland's first major international team event on the road to Brisbane 2032. 

CEO of Softball Australia, Sarah Loh, says the 2027 Women's World Cup is the moment for the sport to claim its place in the national spotlight. 

"Australia has a proud legacy in women's softball, and we can't wait for the country to get behind the Aussie Spirit. 

“After more than 60 years of seeing our athletes represent Australia overseas, I could not be more excited for them to finally play a home World Cup in front of friends, family, supporters, and the next generation of Australian athletes.

“We want to see Kayo Stadium packed with green and gold as the Aussie Spirit take on the best teams in the world.” 

World Baseball Softball Confederation Executive Director Michael Schmidt says the tournament marks a defining step for the continued global popularity of women's softball. 

"Watching this trophy come home to Australia for the first time since the inaugural event in 1965, is a powerful marker of how far women's softball has travelled. 

"The eight nations walking into Kayo Stadium have fought hard to be here, and this event is a major milestone ahead of softball’s sixth appearance on the Olympic programme at LA 2028.” 

Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, says hosting the World Cup on home soil is a significant opportunity for Australian softball. 

"Australians love backing our athletes, and the Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 will give us the chance to cheer on the Aussie Spirit in a home World Cup for the first time in more than 60 years. 

“The Albanese Government is investing $750,000 to support the event, bringing the world’s best softball players to Queensland and giving Australian fans the opportunity to see elite international competition up close. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase women’s sport, inspire future generations, particularly young women and girls, and see our athletes compete for a place at the LA28 Olympic Games.” 

Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Tim Mander said that events like these bring benefits to the whole state. 

"Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and we're making sure that our state secures more major events like the WBSC Women's Softball World Cup Finals, giving international visitors a chance to experience Queensland before 2032." 

"In the lead up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we want to create more opportunities to see world-class sport in our backyard, inspiring Queenslanders to be more active, emulating their sporting heroes." 

Member for Redcliffe Kerri-Anne Dooley MP said the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 would be a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region to visitors from around the world. 

“This is a major international sporting event coming to our doorstep, giving local fans the chance to see some of the world’s best softball players right here in Queensland," Ms Dooley said.

“With more than $3.65 million expected to flow into the Queensland economy, the World Cup Finals will deliver a boost for local businesses and tourism operators while putting our community on the world stage.” 

City of Moreton Bay Mayor, Peter Flannery, says Redcliffe and Kayo Stadium are ready to welcome the athletes and their supporters. 

“Hosting the world’s best softball nations right here in Moreton Bay is an incredible opportunity for our city. Kayo Stadium will be transformed from an NRL venue into a world-class international softball diamond, giving local fans the chance to experience a World Cup in their own backyard. 

“The event will bring athletes, supporters and visitors to City of Moreton Bay, providing a boost for local businesses and supporting local jobs as we continue building towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” 

First announced in May 2026, the venue will see Kayo Stadium rebuilt from an NRL field into a purpose-built international softball diamond for the six-day tournament. 

Tickets for the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 go on sale on Thursday, 8 October at 1pm AEST. Fans can find out more and get ready to secure their seats at softballworldcup2027.com. 

The WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals 2027 is supported by the Australian Government, the City of Moreton Bay and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and the Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games.