Irvine will become home to a professional baseball team in 2027 under a partnership announced Wednesday between the city and Innovation Baseball Partners.
The club will compete in the Pioneer Baseball League, an MLB partner league, and is expected to play its home games at Great Park Baseball Stadium, according to the city.
“A new era of professional baseball is heading to Orange County, bringing a brand of world-class, family-friendly sports entertainment to one of the most vibrant regions in California,” Irvine Mayor Larry Agran said in a statement. “And what better place to call home than the Great Park.”
The organization said it hopes to use baseball to bring together Irvine’s diverse communities while celebrating Orange County’s cultural identity through interactive fan experiences and a culinary menu featuring Asian street food, local craft beverages and traditional ballpark fare.
IBP Co-Founder Paul Freedman said the organization wants games to provide an affordable way for families and friends to spend time together.
“We’ve always believed the sports industry has gotten one thing wrong. It acts like fans have to choose between a premium experience and affordable prices. We think they deserve both,” Freedman said.
Baseball operations will be led by former World Series-winning manager Don Wakamatsu, IBP’s senior vice president of baseball operations. Wakamatsu, the first Asian American manager in Major League Baseball history, said the new club will blend global baseball traditions with competitive professional play.
“Throughout my life in baseball, I’ve seen how the game has the power to bridge cultures, ignite passion, and bring diverse communities together for shared joy,” Wakamatsu said. “Our goal is to capture the incredible energy of global fan culture and pair it with a high-caliber product on the field.”
The announcement follows the launch of another Pioneer Baseball League franchise in Long Beach, the Long Beach Coast, which will be managed by former Angels reliever Troy Percival.
The Irvine team’s name, branding, final venue agreements and player signings are expected to be announced in the coming months.