ROCKFORD, IL — The International Women’s Baseball Center is getting new partners as it prepares to host the World Baseball Softball Confederation Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage July 22-26, 2026, in Rockford.
The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar fully dedicated to women’s sports, will assist with promotions and custom beverage and merchandise collaborations, and CJ Silas, host and executive producer of The CJ Silas Show on ESPN Radio 1280, will serve as the voice of the Women’s Baseball World Cup Rockford Stage.
“The Sports Bra is thrilled to join forces with the IWBC team and world-class women’s baseball to bring this historic event to Rockford,” Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra, said in a news release. “From an organization rooted in legacy to a brand that reimagines the women’s sports fan experience, we could not think of a more fitting partnership to truly highlight the next great movement in women’s baseball.”
“I always dreamed of being a USA baseball announcer or announcing for a women’s professional baseball league. I am extremely grateful that I get this chance in Rockford, Illinois, to announce the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Group Stage,” Silas said in the release. “I’m so glad I never gave up!”
The 2026-27 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup features a Group Stage (2026) and Final Stage (2027).
“As the nation’s first women’s sports bar, The Sports Bra continues to be the gold standard and it will certainly bring the best of women’s baseball to Rockford,” said Dr. Kat Williams, IWBC CEO. “As we make Rockford the global epicenter of women’s baseball this summer, CJ will be there to bring that excitement to the world, and we could not be more pleased to have her on our team. The additions of The Sports Bra and CJ Silas, along with a growing list of local sponsors and community advocates, will only strengthen the World Cup Rockford Group Stage experience for teams and fans alike.”
Other partners include GoRockford, Bucciferro Family McDonald’s, the City of Loves Park, Raymond James, Rockford IceHogs, Lino’s, Rockford Park District, Rockford Rivets and Rockford University.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford announces new partners for major women’s baseball tournament
Reporting by Corina Curry, Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
