The new Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is set to make its debut this June 7, and Major League Baseball (MLB) is stepping up to the plate in a groundbreaking way. In a pioneering partnership with the AUSL, MLB is investing strategically to help the league secure its footing in the competitive world of professional sports. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it’s the first time MLB has ventured into a partnership with a women’s sports league on this scale, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to elevate softball at all levels.
Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed confidence in this venture, stating that the investment symbolizes an opportunity to boost the long-term growth of softball and deepen the connection between MLB and its fans who are excited about women’s sports. This partnership will include joint marketing and promotional efforts, ensuring that AUSL athletes and the league as a whole gain ample visibility through broadcasts on MLB Network and MLB.com.
The AUSL is stepping into a vibrant landscape for women’s sports, particularly softball, which has been gaining momentum and popularity in recent years. Led by Kim Ng—who not only served as a senior vice president of baseball operations with MLB but also made history as the first female general manager in Major League Baseball with the Miami Marlins—the league is poised to attract top talent and engage fans across the country.
Ng has articulated the importance of this affiliation, noting that the support from MLB is a testament to the dedication to not only the athletes involved but the future of women’s sports as a whole. She highlighted the meaningful nature of MLB backing women’s professional softball, especially given her longstanding involvement with the league.
The debut season promises to be an exciting ride, consisting of a traveling tour featuring four teams: the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts. Each team will play 24 games in 10 diverse cities, leading up to an exciting best-of-three AUSL Championship from July 26-28 at the University of Alabama’s Rhoads Stadium.
As anticipation builds for Opening Day, festivities will include a Fan Fest loaded with music, free ice cream, meet-and-greet opportunities with softball legends, and much more to get fans in the spirit. It all begins in Rosemont, Illinois, and Wichita, Kansas, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling inaugural season.
MLB’s involvement doesn’t stop at financial assistance; it’s a comprehensive alliance that will integrate AUSL athletes into MLB’s broader promotional narrative. From collaborative marketing efforts to featuring AUSL players during hallmark MLB events like the All-Star Game, the synergy aims to broaden the reach and impact of both leagues.
The AUSL operates under the umbrella of Athletes Unlimited, a progressive organization that has co-founded several professional women’s leagues across sports like basketball and volleyball. Following its inaugural season, the AUSL will host the AUSL All-Star Cup, bringing together standout talent for a unique competition format focused on individual accomplishments.
With rosters formed from a significant draft process featuring both experienced and emerging talents, the AUSL is ready to showcase some of the brightest stars in softball. Players like former Oklahoma State pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl, who was the league’s first overall pick, and notable collegiate athletes like Oklahoma’s Sam Landry and Arkansas’ Bri Ellis add depth and excitement to this new league.
In addition to the league’s leadership, which includes softball icons like Jennie Finch, Natasha Watley, Jessica Mendoza, and Cat Osterman serving as ambassadors, the AUSL embodies a commitment to not just grow the sport but to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
With such strong momentum, the AUSL’s launch is not just a moment for women’s sports; it’s a pivotal chapter in the evolution of competitive softball, blending tradition with innovation. As the league gears up for its inaugural games, fans can expect a celebration of talent, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of women’s athletics.
