The Australian Baseball League has confirmed the Perth Heat will participate in the 2025-26 season.
The Australian Baseball League has confirmed the Perth Heat will participate in the 2025-26 season.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, the Heat released a statement on social media, with co-owner Chris Galopoulos advising club members and supporters that they would withdraw from ABL in 25-26, citing multiple factors, including "unforeseen developments" to the competition and financial concerns.
However on Thursday morning, it was confirmed the Heat would participate in the four-team competition, with Baseball Australia operator of the club's licence over the upcoming season.
"Baseball Australia acknowledges the decision of the current Perth Heat licence holders to step away from their role ahead of the 2025/26 ABL season," the national governing body said in a statement.
"We want to thank the licence holding group for their longstanding contribution to the ABL and assure fans that plans are already in place to ensure the Perth Heat continue to compete in the ABL this season.
"While we are disappointed to see them step away, this outcome was anticipated.
"Baseball Australia and the ABL have been preparing for this contingency for some time to ensure that we deliver a four-team competition in season 2025/26, inclusive of Baseball Australia taking the licence back and operating it in the coming season.
"As a beloved team that has been inspiring local players for many years, we are determined to ensure the Perth Heat remains a formidable team during this transition."
The Heat, which plays its matches out of Empire Ballpark in Thornlie, has qualified for the Claxton Shield championship series over the last three years.
Earlier this year, the Melbourne Aces and Canberra Cavalry also elected to withdraw from the ABL, reducing it to a four-team competition.
