THE SERPENT'S STRATEGY: BREAKING DOWN THE INAUGURAL WPBL DRAFT ORDER

The WPBL’s inaugural draft marks a defining moment in the launch of professional women’s baseball. With six rounds and 20 picks per round, the 120-player structure forms the first-ever rosters for franchises in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. The league uses a snake draft format—reversing order within each turn—to enforce competitive balance and force strategic, paired decision-making from front offices.

Though being drafted grants negotiation rights rather than guaranteed contracts, it secures each athlete a chance to compete during rigorous spring training and evaluation periods. This historic draft celebrates years of player development and sets the stage for a fully realized professional ecosystem in women’s baseball. Fans can watch history unfold during Thursday night’s official live stream.