A new season is here!

The National Pastime officially returns for 2026 with a brand-new format built around what makes baseball great: weekend series, momentum swings, and confidence in your picks. This season, owners will battle through the new “Weekend 9” format, selecting nine teams each weekend and ranking them from 9 to 1 based on confidence level. Every series matters. Every point matters. One bad weekend can bury you — and one perfect weekend can launch you up the standings.

While team names, divisions, and the full season schedule are still being finalized, the action officially begins now. The Week 1 Pick Sheet has been posted, and owners can begin making their selections for Opening Weekend immediately. Picks for Week 1 are due by Wednesday, May 13 at 11:59 PM ET. Any picks submitted after the deadline will not count.

The 2026 season will feature 26 teams competing across a 14-week regular season and playoff format leading into September. With confidence points, sweep bonuses, and Perfect 9 bonuses all in play, consistency will be just as important as taking risks at the right time. The road to the inaugural TNP championship starts this week.

Welcome to the 2026 season of The National Pastime.