Teams from Berwyn, Pennsylvania, and Oakley, California, are set to compete in the 2026 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game as part of championship weekend of the Little League World Series.

“Since it made its debut 25 years ago, this event has featured incredible Little League programs and their respective communities, and we are excited to add both Berwyn Paoli Area Little League and East County Little League to the list of leagues making the trip to Williamsport to participate in the exhibition game and make lifelong memories,” said Sam Ranck, Little League senior director of strategy and development. “Every year, we look forward to spending the morning celebrating not only the players on the diamond at Volunteer Stadium, but also the volunteers from each league’s community who have created inclusive environments for these athletes to play the game they love, both back home and in Williamsport.”

Since the first Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game hosted in 2001, this friendly matchup has been a memorable part of the Championship Weekend experience at the LLWS. Little League International will once again support this year’s participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game, and as part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division, Eggland’s Best will match the grant value, donating an additional $15,000 to each league.

“At Eggland’s Best, we believe every athlete deserves the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and confidence that comes from being part of a team,” said Kurt Misialek, pesident and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “We are honored to match Little League International’s grant and support these two outstanding leagues as they create unforgettable memories for their players, families, and communities.”

Founded in 1991, Berwyn Paoli Area Little League is home to approximately 50 Challenger Division players. Giving the players a chance to play the game they love all year, BPALL’s Challenger program’s regular season runs in the spring with Major Division players volunteering as buddies, and also hosts practices in the summer, a Fall Ball program, and an indoor winter clinic for some of Senior Division-aged players.

Off the field, BPALL is very active in their community, volunteering at local league activities like fundraisers and giving back to those in need at the local food bank.

For BPALL, traveling to South Williamsport is a chance for their players and coaches to not only show the pride they have for their league, but for the community that supports them every season, too.

“We are incredibly honored that Berwyn Paoli Little League has been invited to participate in the 2026 Little League Baseball World Series Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game,” said James Spinelli, BPALL League President. “This invitation is a testament to the incredible players, families, and volunteers who make our Challenger program so special, and to the leadership of Gary Brooks and Tom Toscani, who have built something truly meaningful for our league. We are proud to represent our community and Challenger Division players from around the world as we celebrate the spirit of inclusion that the Challenger program stands for.” 

At East County Little League in Oakley, California, 45 Challenger Division Little Leaguers make fun and exciting new memories both on and off the field. Founded in the early 1990s, East County LL has a strong connection with the Oakley community, bringing visibility to the program and the importance of inclusion at events hosted throughout the town.

The league also works hard to get its players involved throughout California District 4, participating with other leagues in district-wide activities.

 “Our kids are beyond excited to be a part of this once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Amanda Ehinger, East County LL Challenger Division coach. “I have had the privilege of being a Challenger Division Manager for the past five years and I feel beyond blessed to see these players learn and grow and come back year after year. I truly appreciate this incredible opportunity for our team. The families of our players and I can’t believe how lucky we are.”