Blue Sox Elected to NBL – North Division
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Leicester Blue Sox are proud to confirm our election to compete in the newly-formed National Baseball League (NBL) North Division for the 2026 season.
The inaugural NBL North will feature:
Leicester Blue Sox
Liverpool Trojoans
Long Eaton Storm
Manchester A's
Sheffield Bruins
The new Division will run in parallel with the established NBL South, which this season includes:
London Mets
Herts Toucans
Essex Arrows
Croydon Pirates
At the conclusion of the regular season, the NBL North winners will enter the national playoff structure against teams from the NBL South Division, competing for a place in the NBL National Baseball Championship Final and ultimately qualification for WBSC European competition the following year.
This marks a significant step forward not only for the Blue Sox, but for the growth of top-level baseball outside the South of England.
Investment in NBL Standards
During the off-season, the Blue Sox have made substantial investment into upgrading our playing surface to meet NBL standards.
Improvements to the field ensure that Leicester now provides a venue capable of hosting top-tier British baseball and delivering the quality environment expected at the highest level of the domestic game.
Youth Development
As part of our commitment to sustainable growth, the club continues to strengthen its youth structure in line with BBF requirements for NBL clubs.
In 2026 we will support the Leicester 'local play' initiative between:
Our established Quorn Blue Sox Kids Club
The newly formed Broughton Astley Black Sox
This collaboration will see a record number of children playing organised baseball in the county and creates a clear pathway from youth baseball through to the adult first team.
Our long-term vision remains unchanged: building elite performance on the foundation of strong grassroots participation.
Recruitment – NBL Standard Players
Competing at NBL level represents a significant step up in performance standards.
We are actively looking to strengthen our First Team roster with players capable of contributing at the highest level of British baseball.
With the demands of the NBL North, we have opportunities available for experienced and high-performing players who can elevate team quality and compete in a national championship environment.
Players interested in discussing the opportunity are invited to email:
Please include a brief playing bio outlining experience, positions and previous clubs.
A Landmark Season
The formation of the NBL North is a landmark moment for British baseball and for Midlands and North representation at the top level of the sport.
For the Blue Sox, it represents the culmination of two decades of steady development — and the beginning of a new chapter.
We look forward to competing at the highest level in 2026.
Lets go Blue Sox!
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