Mark your calendars for the 2026 NBC World Series, July 23-August 1 in Wichita
Pool Tie Breakers
- Win–Loss Record
- Head to Head
- Total run differential for all games played in pool play, wins and losses.
- Fewest runs allowed per inning played defensively.
- Total runs scored during pool play.
Top 3 teams in each pool will advance to single-elimination bracket play starting 7/30. Top team in each pool will receive a first round bye in bracket play.
Bracket Play- Matchups for Bracket Play will be determined after pool play is completed.
Here is more on how the tournament works:
Format
- The 2026 NBC World Series will consist of a 16-team field
- July 23-28 will be pool play, with four pools of four teams, and each team playing three games. If your team plays on the 24th, you will play on July 24th, 26th, and 28th. If your team plays on July 25th, you will play the 25th, 27th, & 29th for pool play.
- The top three teams from each pool advance to the single-elimination round starting July 29.
- The top team in each pool receives a bye for the first game of bracket play.
- Single elimination will run through August 1st, when the 2026 NBC World Series Champion is crowned.
Team Compensation
- 1st – $18,000
- 2nd – $15,000
- 3rd – $9,000 – two teams
- 5th – $4,500– four teams
Plus travel compensation and meal partners for out-of-state teams.
NBC World Series Champions since 1935
Satchel Paige’s barnstorming team from Bismarck, North Dakota won the first ever “NBC World Series” even though it wasn’t called that at the time. Satchel also won the MVP of the tournament after pitching in every game. For a complete list of winners, MVPs, and All-American Teams from every NBC World Series, click here.
FAQs
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What is the difference between the NBC World Series and the College World Series?
The College World Series is run through the NCAA and the teams come from schools that qualify and the players represent their schools. In the NBC World Series, the teams come from various summer leagues from around the country and that is the team they represent.
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When did the NBC World Series start?
The NBC World Series started in 1935 when founder Ray “Hap” Dumont offered legendary pitcher Satchel Paige $1,000 to come play in a semi-pro baseball tournament that he was hosting. Satchel brought enough press and attention to keep the tournament going for 90 more years.
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How are teams selected for the NBC World Series?
Teams are either given an automatic bid to the tournament or the team wins their NBC-affiliated league. Teams are given automatic bids by finishing first or second in the previous year’s tournament or by showing loyalty and consistency to the NBC over the years.
