It’s to pay someone to keep up with stats and a new comprehensive website from what I’ve heard. I know they spent over 300k to develop the site and bracket system. It’s supposed to bring a site for the c-E like the conference guys have. As you can imagine it will have hiccups and struggles when you’re trying to do that for 5,000 players. But besides that it puts money in the company’s pocket to secure things before the season starts. It cost lots of money to reserve fields and hold spots. Example Disney will cost a ton if they decide to go back there for worlds. Just think about the balls they have to have made before the season ever starts. $20 is not a lot of money. We as players drink 4-8 beers during a tournament. Buy 20-40 cc’s of test lol, buy 2-3 $200 bats, 4-6 hats/shirts etc... I imagine the avg softball player will spend 1k a year in equipment and things. And to the guy above you can’t get a $15 jersey anywhere.