Grab your peanuts and Cracker Jacks, it is time for another season of The Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter!
The PBL is a Major League Baseball Partner League with 10 teams competing across the Mountain States region. According to an official MLB press release, the Pioneer League’s partnership with MLB supports scouting technology, collaboration opportunities, and ongoing league development. Teams are split into North and South Divisions and play 96 games in a split schedule. Divisional winners from the first half will face winners from the second half in the first round of the playoffs. The two teams that advance will play a best-of-three championship series to determine the winner.
The North Division includes the Billings Mustangs, Missoula Paddleheads, Great Falls Voyagers, Glacier Riders and Idaho Falls Chukars. The South Division is comprised of the Northern Colorado Owlz, Rocky Mountain Rockies, Grand Junction Vibez, Boise Hawks and Ogden Raptors. The Owlz, who were previously located in Orem, and the Riders, who will play out of Flathead County, Mont., are new this season. Montana, Idaho, Utah and Colorado are now represented in the PBL.
One of the most unique things about the PBL is the “Knockout Round” which is used in the place of extra innings. If two teams are tied after nine, the winner is determined by a homerun shootout. Teams are also allowed a designated runner and designated pinch hitter. Both can be used once per game and the player replaced may also return to the game. For details on these rule changes, see the Pioneer League’s official announcement of new rules on MiLB.com. In 2022, the PBL also introduced a pitch clock to speed up games and encourage hitters to put more balls into play; studies of pitch clock use in the minors show it can shave roughly 20 minutes off game times while keeping scoring similar, which contributed to a noticeably faster pace of play for fans.
Come out and enjoy the stellar competition in The Pioneer League presented by TicketSmarter!
Where can I watch the PBL?
The best place to watch The Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter is in the ballpark. Here is a list of where each team will be playing this season:
Northern Division
Billings Mustangs – Dehler Park – Billings, Mont.
Glacier Range Riders – Flathead Field – Kalispell, Mont.
Great Falls Voyagers – Centene Stadium – Great Falls, Mont.
Idaho Falls Chukars – Melaleuca Field – Idaho Falls, Idaho
Missoula PaddleHeads – Ogren Park at Allegiance Field – Missoula, Mont.
Southern Division
Boise Hawks – Memorial Stadium – Boise, Idaho
Grand Junction Rockies – Suplizio Field – Grand Junction, Colo.
Northern Colorado Owlz – Future Legends Complex – Windsor, Colo.
Ogden Raptors – Lindquist Field – Ogden, Utah
Rocky Mountain Vibes – UCHealth Park – Colorado Springs, Colo.
If you cannot make it to the game, you can stream it through The Pioneer Baseball League Network here: pblnetwork.com. The league has also partnered with FloSports to expand streaming and digital coverage, including full-season broadcasts for teams like the Boise Hawks, which makes following out-of-market games easier for fans.
Quick tips for fans
- TicketSmarter makes it simple to catch your favorite clubs. Explore tickets for the Ogden Raptors, Northern Colorado Owlz, Great Falls Voyagers, Boise Hawks, Missoula PaddleHeads, Billings Mustangs, and Idaho Falls Chukars.
- Headed to Grand Junction. Find upcoming events at Suplizio Field with TicketSmarter.
- Prefer to stream. FloSports and the PBL’s digital partners support live video, mobile alerts, and stats so you can follow every inning from home.
Why the PBL style of play feels fast and fun
- The Knockout Round replaces extra innings with a home run shootout. It keeps the finish electric and the schedule tidy.
- The pitch clock trims average game times and speeds the action; research on minor league pitch clocks found roughly a 20 minute reduction in game length while scoring stayed similar. Pitchers keep momentum, hitters see more balls in play, and you get a tighter game flow.
- Designated runner and designated pinch hitter rules let managers inject speed or a clutch bat once per game without losing the original player, which adds strategy late.
Travel and divisional flavor
- The North and South Divisions cluster teams across Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, which helps reduce long travel stretches and fuels regional rivalries.
- Ballparks deliver a classic minor league vibe with in-game entertainment, theme nights, and family-friendly atmospheres. Many venues highlight local sponsors and fan contests between innings.
Split season and playoffs at a glance
- The PBL season is split into first and second halves. Records reset to 0-0 at the half.
- First round is best-of-three between half champions.
- Winners meet in a best-of-five Championship Series to crown the league champion. MLB has extended its agreement with the Pioneer League through 2028, supporting ongoing collaboration and the league’s experimental rules program.
Streaming and the PBL app
- Watch in the ballpark or stream games on the PBL Network. The league’s digital partners power live video, mobile alerts, real-time stats, and social media highlights so you never miss a big play. Fans should download the official Pioneer League app to get streaming links, alerts, and highlights.
FAQs
What are the key rule differences in the Pioneer Baseball League compared to traditional minor leagues
The Pioneer Baseball League features the Knockout Round in place of extra innings, plus single-use designated runner and designated pinch hitter options where the replaced player can re-enter. A pitch clock also drives faster pace of play. For the official rule details, see the Pioneer League’s announcement on MiLB.com. You can see these innovations live with tickets from TicketSmarter.
How does the Pioneer League Knockout Round home run shootout work when a game is tied
If a game is tied after nine, teams select batters for a home run duel to decide the winner. The format is designed to be quick and dramatic, and MiLB provides the official rules for the Knockout Round. Check the schedule and grab seats through TicketSmarter to experience a Knockout Round finish in person.
Why does the PBL use a pitch clock and how does it affect the game
The pitch clock reduces downtime between pitches, which has shortened average games and created a faster tempo for fans. Research on pitch clock implementation in the minors found about a 20 minute reduction in game length while scoring remained similar. Pitchers maintain rhythm, hitters stay engaged, and TicketSmarter can help you get into a fast-paced matchup anywhere in the league.
How do the split season and playoffs work in the PBL
Teams compete in two halves with records resetting at midseason. Each half’s divisional winners meet in a best-of-three round. The winners advance to a best-of-five Championship Series. Follow every round with TicketSmarter and the PBL Network.
Where can I stream Pioneer League games and what does the app offer
You can stream through The Pioneer Baseball League Network at pblnetwork.com. The PBL’s partnership with FloSports expands live coverage and streaming options, and the app delivers streaming links, live stats, alerts, and highlights. TicketSmarter recommends turning on notifications so you catch first pitch and special moments.
Where are Pioneer League team stadiums located across the Mountain States
Ballparks span Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. Notable stops include Lindquist Field in Ogden, Memorial Stadium in Boise, Centene Stadium in Great Falls, and Suplizio Field in Grand Junction. Browse upcoming dates with TicketSmarter, including events at Suplizio Field.
How can companies support ticketing and fan engagement for PBL games
Teams use mobile-first ticketing, CRM integrations, and personalized content to keep fans engaged. Partnering with platforms like TicketSmarter helps streamline ticket access while the league’s digital tools support streaming, highlights, and real-time updates.
Updated date: December 12, 2025
