Columbus to Host Gay Softball World Series in 2026

Columbus will host the Gay Softball World Series, the largest annual LGBTQ+ single-sport athletic competition in the world, from August 30 to September 5, 2026 at the Berliner Sports Complex.

More than 230 teams and 5,000 athletes are expected to attend the International Pride Softball event. This is the fourth time Columbus will host the GSWS and first time since 2021.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome the Gay Softball World Series back to Columbus for the fourth time,” said Linda Logan, Greater Columbus Sports Commission chief executive officer and president. “Columbus has a rich history of fostering inclusivity, diversity and a vibrant sports community. Hosting this prestigious event again highlights our commitment to creating an open and welcoming environment for all athletes and fans. We look forward to continuing this legacy and delivering an unforgettable experience in 2026.”

Columbus plays host to several inclusive annual events, including the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance Columbus Classic, Labor of Love Volleyball Classic and Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association’s Buckeye Softball Classic and fundraising Bat-N-Rouge event. Columbus is also hosting the 11th annual Stonewall National Tournament & Summit on July 17–20, 2025. That event is expected to draw more than 4,500 people for competitions ranging from dodgeball and volleyball to bocce and billiards.

“International Pride Softball enthusiastically awarded the bid for the 49th Annual Gay Softball World Series to Columbus at our biannual council meeting,” said Jeff Sloan, iPride Softball board commissioner. “Columbus has proven itself to be a fantastic host city for our event after welcoming us in 2010, 2015 and 2021. The support of our event by the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the state of Ohio has been nothing short of exceptional.”