I’ve been waiting to announce this until I could ascertain whether they’ll be using unique game balls but we’re at the season’s traditional halfway point and I’m still pulling those proverbial teeth, so here goes: the 2026 season will see two new independent leagues take the field. In no particular order, they are:

The Canadian Baseball League has actually been in operation since 1919 as a semi-pro league, the Intercounty Baseball League. In November of 2025 league Commissioner Ted Kalnins announced the new name as part of the transition to a fully professional league. Fielding nine teams, the league began its first pro season in May and held an All-Star Game on July 12th. I have no word yet on the official game balls.

The second pro league to make its debut in 2026 is the Women’s Professional Baseball League, the first all-female baseball operation since the Colorado Silver Bullets (whom we’ve recently added to the museum under the new barnstorming section). The league is set to debut on August 1st with four teams. All of the games will take place in Springfield, Illinois, at historic Robin Roberts Field, which has hosted numerous minor league teams since opening in 1925; it is currently home to the Prospect League’s Springfield Lucky Horseshoes.

As mentioned, I have no idea if these leagues will be using their own unique gamers or off-the-shelf models. I’ll let you know when I find out. In any case, it’s nice to see new indy leagues on the field. Welcome to you both and good luck!

-Tony Baseballs