O'Fallon board authorizes negotiations for presenting sponsorship of national Wiffle tournament

The O'Fallon Convention & Visitors Bureau on Oct. 22 authorized staff to negotiate a presenting-sponsorship agreement with organizers of the National Wiffle League Association national tournament, with board members saying a final funding decision will return to the board in January.

Sam Skibby, who presented the proposal, said the tournament will be held at CarShield Field in August 2026 and that 16 teams are already registered. He described sponsors already engaged and asked the board to consider a $4,000 presenting-sponsor package to cover advanced marketing, team welcome bags and in-kind partnership support. "We are fully expecting that this will be the largest wiffle ball tournament that this national tournament has seen," Skibby said.

Board members pressed for more detail on hotel room blocks, family attendance and the timing for sponsorship commitments. Patrick McKeon moved to authorize further negotiations “with the intent of securing a presenting sponsorship” and to bring a formal funding recommendation to the January meeting; Don Dietrich seconded and the motion carried.

The board and staff discussed budget procedure: the sponsorship would require a midyear budget amendment if approved because the expense was not included in the draft 2026 budget. Staff said they would return with negotiated terms, compliance details and any in-kind options to offset costs. Skibby said the organizers are open to in-kind contributions and partnership arrangements to reduce cash needs.

Next steps: staff will pursue negotiations and present a formal recommendation to the board in January 2026; any funding would be contingent on an agreed contract and a budget amendment.