If you’ve never heard of the Premier 12, don’t worry, most of us haven’t a clue either. But if you like elite international baseball, chaotic upsets, and the inexorable rise of Great Britain on the world stage, this is one you’re going to want to get familiar with.
A couple of things you need to know about the Premier 12 are (1) it is the WBSC’s flagship event, and (2) the Premier 12 features 16 teams… I realise it is a new format this time around, but I can’t help wondering if a name change is in order.
There are two four-team Qualification Tournaments in November 2026. We know that four teams will play in Zhongshan (China), but the venue of the other group is yet to be confirmed.
The top two teams from each group will join the 12 automatically qualified countries in the Premier 12 finals next year. The venue for this is “to be confirmed” as well.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC AND THE PREMIER 12?
Good question!
The Premier 12 is organised by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), the global governing body for baseball and softball, while the WBC is organised by MLB, the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), and international baseball federations.
The World Baseball Classic is the more prestigious tournament, featuring star-studded rosters, while the Premier 12 focuses on WBSC world rankings.
Fewer MLB stars means fiercer competition, more balanced teams, and plenty of domestic talent
| Feature | Premier 12 | World Baseball Classic (WBC) |
|---|---|---|
| Organiser | WBSC (World Baseball Softball Confederation) | MLB & MLB Players Association (with international federations) |
| Purpose / Emphasis | WBSC world rankings; Olympic qualification; official international competition | Showcase top professional talent; global promotion of baseball; entertainment |
| Participants | Top 12 national teams in WBSC rankings, plus 4 from the qualifiers; mostly professional players outside MLB | National teams from around the world; includes MLB stars |
| Frequency & Timing | Every 4 years – usually November | Every 4 years – usually March, pre-MLB season |
| Rules / Style | WBSC international rules (may differ from MLB rules) | Hybrid rules: close to MLB rules but with pitch limits and protections for MLB players |
| Global Reach / Media | Billed as the Global Baseball Battle. Important for rankings, Olympic implications; less media coverage | High-profile, heavily marketed and broadcast; “World Cup of Baseball” |
| Roster Restrictions | Some restrictions for MLB participation; fewer MLB stars | MLB players allowed; most star-studded international rosters |
| Impact | Affects WBSC rankings and Olympic qualification | Prestige, fan interest, and international recognition; less about official ranking |
AND GREAT BRITAIN IS PART OF THIS?
For the first time ever, GB Baseball has been selected to compete in the Premier 12 Qualifying Tournament. Thanks to hanging around the top 20 of the WBSC world rankings since 2023 (no big deal), GB will line up alongside Colombia, Italy, Czechia, Nicaragua, China, Germany, and one final team still to be announced.
Two qualifying groups, four spots up for grabs, and a very real path to the 2027 Premier 12 main tournament.
The current holders are Chinese Taipei, who shutout Japan 4-0 in the 2024 final. In the bronze medal game, Cubs prospect Matt Shaw helped steer the USA past Venezuela.
WHERE IS GB RANKED?
The ranking system is a mystery to me, but you accumulate points from the World Baseball Classic, the Olympic Games, Premier 12, tournaments like the recent European Championships – read my epic journal, if you haven’t already done so – and age-tournaments like the U-23, U-18, U-15, U-12, etc.
GB won the U-23, came fifth in the Euros, and qualified for the WBC. The nation is on a roll. At the end of December 2025, the cut-off date for the rankings, Great Britain sat proudly in 19th place. Yes, it was by the skin of our teeth, but 19th is way better than 21st.
In case you’re interested, the 20th-ranked team is Canada. I don’t know why they have not been confirmed. I suspect political shenanigans are in play. The ever-wise Russell Eassom suggests a link between the delayed decision to announce the second venue and the confirmation of the 20th team. Don’t be surprised if the final team to make the cut also hosts one of the groups.
Also, in case you’re interested, Spain, one of the most dynamic teams I saw during my trip to the Euros in Rotterdam (and the team that dumped GB out of the tournament) is ranked 26th.
SIDE NOTE: Regensburg, September 2022. Having established an 8-3 lead in the final of the WBC qualifier, Spain enjoyed a 92% win probability. Drew Spencer’s resilient GB team clawed back to within one run, and with only two outs remaining in the bottom of the ninth, Jayden Rudd tied the game. Great Britain went on to win the game in extra innings with Matt Koperniak scoring on an Alex Crosby sac fly.
I doubt any of the players or staff involved could possibly appreciate that the epic comeback win would still be having ramifications in 2026. In March 2026, GB will participate in their second consecutive WBC; Spain has only their 2013 appearance to reflect upon. The value of WBC ranking points is hard to overstate – but easy to appreciate when you don’t have them.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Currently, all we know is that GB has been invited to play in the qualifying tournament, which will be in November. We don’t know which group or what venue, but we do know that it will be incredibly difficult to progress from the qualification tournament. But hey, Brad Marcelino and his crew laugh in the face of these tough situations.
SO, IS GREAT BRITAIN GOOD AT BASEBALL?
GB is extraordinarily good. The nation punches well above its weight. The domestic scene in the UK is pretty dire compared to our European neighbours, yet we keep finding eligible players who seem to thrive in the environment created by the exceptional GB coaching staff.
The fact that GB is competing alongside China, Colombia, Italy, and Czechia – and could qualify to face the likes of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Japan, and the Dominican Republic – deserves huge congratulations for everyone involved in the GB set up over the past few years.
So no, the Premier 12 might not be a household name. But it is one of the most important tournaments in international baseball — and Great Britain is officially in the mix. Not as a novelty. Not as a guest. As a contender trying to crash one of the biggest parties the sport has to offer.
Before that, of course, we have the World Baseball Classic, which kicks off in about six weeks. GB is in the group with the USA, Mexico, Italy and Brazil, with the top two progressing. Stay glued to Bat Flips & Nerds for unparalleled coverage.
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