A Tulsa Little League baseball team was kicked out of the 2026 Little League Baseball Southwest Region Tournament after it was ruled that one of its players was ineligible.

The decision was announced on Monday by the Little League International Tournament Committee after a protest was filed over the eligibility of players on the Tulsa team. The team has been removed from the regional tournament and their previous games have now been changed to a forfeit. 

The committee’s ruling is final and binding, the statement read. 

A general view of the infield before the Asia-Pacific Region team from Taoyuan City, Chinese Taipei plays against Mountain Region from Las Vegas, Nevada in the 2025 Little League World Series Championship at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on August 24, 2025. Getty Images

“Following a recent protest related to the eligibility of players on the Tulsa National Little League Baseball team, the Little League International Tournament Committee has determined that a player who participated on the team during the International Tournament is ineligible,” the statement read. “To uphold the integrity of the International Tournament and provide an opportunity for every team, community, and, most importantly, child, to have a fair and equitable experience, Little League International relies on adult volunteers and parents to adhere to our Rules, Regulations, and Operating Policies. Little League International is committed to supporting all children impacted by this decision and will continue to provide support and administrative guidance to the families in Tulsa National Little League.”

However, the situation took on another twist later on Monday as a Texas judge granted a temporary restraining order saught by the players and parents of the Tulsa team.

“Judge Luna has ordered the championship game to go forward on August 11th at 6 p.m. as scheduled. The winner of the game will go on to represent the southwest region in Williamsport.  The winner of the game will be determined on the field where it should be decided,” a press release stated. 

A general view of signage before the Little League World Series Championship Game between the Asia-Pacific Region team from Taoyuan Ciy, Chinese Taipei and the Southeast Region team from Lake Mary, Florida at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on August 25, 2024. Getty Images

Three teams taking part in the Southwest Region Tournament asked Little League to investigate the Tulsa team, according to a report published by Sports Illustrated. 

According to the complaint, SI reported, the three teams wanted Little League to look into “whether Tulsa National Little League operated its entire 2026 baseball program in compliance with Little League Regulations, Playing Rules, Operating Policies, Charter Requirements and Player Eligibility Requirements required for International tournament eligibility.” 

It also alleged that the Tulsa squad had violated the Sibling Participation Regulation II(a)(1), League Eligibility, Pitching more than one game in a day Regulation VI(k) and Completing a game Rule 4.10(c)(2).