CARY, N.C. — USA Baseball has officially launched the Drive to 2028 fundraising campaign. The initiative aims to secure 2,028 annual supporters through the USA Baseball Foundation. This critical financial backing will drive the continued expansion of baseball participation across the United States.
As the national governing body for the sport, USA Baseball operates as a nonprofit organization that receives no government funding. Contributions are crucial to advancing the organization’s mission of leading the growth of the sport. The campaign directly aligns with strategic growth initiatives leading up to the organization’s 50th anniversary and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Baseball has always been about more than what happens on the field; it’s about the role it plays in so many lives and communities,” USA Baseball Executive Director and CEO Paul Seiler said. “Hosting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles in the year of USA Baseball’s fiftieth anniversary will be an important moment for baseball in the United States, and as we look ahead, we have a real opportunity to strengthen its foundation.”
Recent data reveals that baseball participation is climbing rapidly across the country. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, the sport reached 17.3 million players in 2025. This marks the highest participation level recorded since tracking began in 2008.
USA Baseball attributes a significant portion of this expansion to grassroots programs like Fun At Bat. The premier introductory program brings the sport into elementary schools using an accessible and engaging format. Since its debut in 2017, the program has reached more than 9,300 schools and over 4.37 million students. Building on this momentum, the organization continues to implement additional programs like Coach Clinics, Homegrown Clinics, and Baseball5 in middle and high schools.
The Drive to 2028 campaign encourages fans to actively shape the sport’s future by making an annual contribution. Supporters can donate at any comfortable level to make an immediate impact. Those who give $100 or more qualify for benefits through the USA Baseball Foundation’s Our Pastime’s Future Fund. These exclusive benefits feature tailored experiences and gifts based on the level of support.
USA Baseball Director of Development Drake Sacenti views the initiative as a major opportunity for community connection.
“Every contribution, at any level, helps create more opportunities for young athletes, strengthens communities, and ensures our game continues to grow for generations to come,” Sacenti said.
Excitement around international competition continues to build following the 2026 World Baseball Classic. That energy will only amplify as the 2028 Olympic Games draw closer. The USA Baseball Foundation plans to leverage this enthusiasm by giving fans a direct avenue to support the future of the sport.
Seiler noted the profound effect of seeing fans unite during international play. He hopes supporters will channel that same energy into the Drive to 2028, ensuring the sport thrives at every level from the playground to the Olympic stadium.
To expand its reach, the USA Baseball Foundation has partnered with Learfield Amplify to optimize these fundraising programs. To learn more about the initiative or to make a contribution, supporters can visit the USA Baseball Foundation website.
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