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.
Setting a Precedent: The WPBL’s New Era and Its Trailblazers Mo’ne Davis and Kelsie Whitmore
This article examines the groundbreaking launch of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), set to debut in 2026. The league marks the first professional women's baseball organization since 1954, moving beyond novelty to establish a sustainable, professional, and women-led athletic enterprise.