The wait is over.
The 2026 Ohio Valley League season officially begins Friday night, May 29, as the six clubs from across western Kentucky and Tennessee open another summer of collegiate wooden-bat baseball. Opening Day marks the return of one of the region’s premier summer traditions, featuring elite college players from across the country competing in front of hometown fans all summer long.
This season’s Ohio Valley League lineup includes the Henderson Flash, the Hoptown Hoppers, the 2025 postseason champion Full Count Rhythm, the 2025 regular season champion Madisonville Miners, the Fulton Railroaders, and the Paducah Chiefs. Fans can expect another fun summer of high-level competition, future professional talent, family-friendly entertainment, and some of the best atmospheres in summer baseball.
Opening Night games begin Friday evening with all six teams in action as the race toward the 2026 OVL Championship officially gets underway.
“We’re excited to open another Ohio Valley League season and continue building one of the top summer collegiate baseball experiences in the region,” OVL president Will Cox said. “The support from our communities, host families, sponsors, and fans continues to make this league special.”
Throughout the summer, the OVL schedule will feature rivalry matchups, promotional nights, community events, and wind up the annual postseason playoffs in late July.
Fans are encouraged to follow their favorite local teams and the Ohio Valley League on social media for schedules, rosters, ticket information, promotions, and league updates throughout the season.
Opening Day is here. OVL baseball is back. We'll see you at a ballpark Friday night!