Marc Vasconcellos / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Inclement weather at the Little League Baseball World Series Sports Complex in South Williamsport, Pa. on Aug. 20, 2026.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms swept through the entirety of Central Pennsylvania on Thursday, forcing the cancellation of all games at the 2026 Little League World Series.
That meant that all games scheduled for Thursday were ultimately moved to Friday, including a pair of games between Australia and Mexico, and Nevada and Ohio. Those games were moved from Thursday at 6 p.m. to Friday at 9 a.m., and also taken off TV entirely.
ESPN had previously agreed that all games throughout the tournament would be broadcast across its platforms. But that’s no longer the case, and the change has larger implications for the fairness of the tournament.
Per comments provided to me by @LittleLeague, today’s 9AM games of Australia vs. Mexico and Great Lakes vs Mountain will not have instant replay review due to @espn not televising the games. How can @LittleLeague let ESPN dictate the rules of its tournament like that? #LLWS
— Garrett Carr (@RealGarrettCarr) August 21, 2026
Little League World Series Won’t Have Replay Review For Games Taken Off ESPN
For all other games in the tournament, Little League International relies on ESPN’s broadcasts for replay review. However, because the two 9 a.m. games on Friday are not being broadcast, they also won’t have the benefit of replace review.
Former BroBible writer Garrett Carr reported on Friday morning that Little League officials informed him that games will take place under a separate ruleset that does not include replay review.
“These kids worked so hard to get there just to be treated like this. It’s a slap in the face,” one fan said in response to the changes.
“I feel awful for the families of the teams who couldn’t make the trip. It could be one of only two times they’ll get to see these kids on the biggest stage. They should have at least thrown it on ESPN+,” wrote another.
The biggest issue comes if there’s a play that requires replay review. Unfortunately, teams and umpires won’t be able to use it. And it could well have a major effect on the outcome of the tournament.
What do you think? Should ESPN have found a way to broadcast the games? Or is this just bad luck for the four teams playing Friday morning? Let us know in the comments below!