The world men's softball championship is less than two months away from hitting Saskatoon, and organizers provided an update Tuesday as the event draws closer.

The 16-team event, which draws squads from across the globe, is coming to Saskatoon for the third time. It was also held here in 1988 and 2009, with more than 50,000 attendees witnessing the latter and helping to create a $200,000 legacy fund.

Here's five things to know about an event that's formed a tight bond with the local softball community.

1. The defending-champion New Zealand Black Sox are back for a shot at their sixth world crown. Also in the field are Canada, Australia, Venezuela, Argentina, United States, Japan, Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Indonesia and the Philippines.

2. Team Canada's roster will be unveiled June 3 at a Saskatoon press conference. The Canadians placed fifth at the last world championship.

3. The event, formerly known as the ISF men's world championship, is now the World Baseball Softball Confederation world men's softball championship. The newly-struck WBSC is the governing body for international baseball and softball.

4. This year's championship is the 14th, with the first held in Mexico City in 1966. It was once held every fourth year, but now happens every second year.

5. The championship runs June 26 to July 5 at Bob Van Impe Stadium and Gordie Howe Park.