Women's World Championship Softball Championship Canceled

In the midst of sinking city revenue numbers, Oklahoma City thought they had hit a home run with a new $3 million deal. But, now the deal is off.

Wednesday, November 4th 2009, 5:53 pm

By: News 9

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In the midst of sinking city revenue numbers, Oklahoma City thought they had hit a home run with a new $3 million deal. But, now the deal is off.

For the first time ever the Women's World Championship softball tournament was going to be held in Oklahoma City. Sixteen teams from around the world were going to be spending money in Oklahoma, but a scheduling conflict ruined all that.

The International Softball Federation, which puts on the tournament, scheduled another tournament at the same time in Central America. The end result is that Oklahoma City loses out on revenue and worldwide attention.

"This would have been covered live on ESPN and ESPN 2, constantly seeing the Oklahoma City name out there and the home of softball in the U.S.," Mike Carrier, President of Oklahoma City Convention and Visitor's Bureau, said.

The silver lining, according to Carrier, is there's a good chance at some point in the near future the tournament could return to Oklahoma City.

The tournament cancellation does not affect the NCAA Women's College World Series or the World Cup of Softball that are played in Oklahoma City every summer.