“The AUSL will be our biggest expansion yet to create more opportunities for fans to watch the world’s best athletes.”

Launching in May 2025, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is a professional women’s softball league operating in a traditional format. In its inaugural year, the league will feature four teams competing in a 30-game season with games in 6-8 different cities. The AUSL will become a city-based league beginning in 2026.

The league is complemented by the existing AU Pro Softball Championship Season and is a new opportunity for the world’s best players to compete.

ESPN has signed on as a founding broadcast partner of the AUSL and will carry at least 18 games exclusively on its platforms in 2025. Softball legends Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley have signed on as advisors to the AUSL, consulting with AU leadership and current athletes on the strategic direction of the new league. USA Softball is a strategic partner.

Further details about the AUSL, including locations, competitors, schedule, and additional broadcast partners will be announced at a later date.

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FAQs

What is the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)?

Launching in 2025, the AUSL is a professional women’s softball league operating a traditional format, complementing the existing AU Pro Softball Championship Season and creating a new opportunity for the world’s best players to compete.

Why is AU expanding to a traditional league?

Athletes Unlimited launched in 2020 with its first AU Pro Softball Championship Season, later adding pro women’s lacrosse, volleyball and basketball leagues as well as AU Pro Softball AUX, an additional two-week softball season. The AUSL marks the latest expansion of Athletes Unlimited’s presence in softball.

There is an opportunity to expand and develop what professional softball can be in the US. The sport is experiencing significant growth in both participation and exposure. TV viewership continues to increase & the sport will also return to the Olympics in 2028.

How many teams?

In 2025, there will be (at least) four teams.

How many games in a season?

Each team will play a 30-game season (60 games).

How many players will be on each team?

There will be 15 players per team.

Will the teams be city-based?

The AUSL will become a city-based league beginning in 2026, while the inaugural season in 2025 will be a touring property.

What cities will the league play in?

In 2025, the AUSL will be a touring property featuring games in 6-8 different cities. Cities will be announced at a later date.

Will games be televised?

ESPN has signed on as a founding broadcast partner of the AUSL, and will carry at least 18 games exclusively on its linear platforms (ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU) in 2025.

Who will run the AUSL?

Leadership for the AUSL will be announced in the coming months. Each team will have a dedicated staff to support operations.

How will players be involved in shaping the league?

Athletes Unlimited has developed an unprecedented partnership with athletes in the development and management of all of its leagues. The Player Executive Committee (PEC) has played an important role in our thinking about the AUSL, and the athletes will continue to have a unique voice in the running of the league.

Is anyone else involved in the AUSL?

Athletes Unlimited will own and operate the AUSL. Softball legends Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley have signed on as advisors to the AUSL, consulting with AU leadership and current athletes on the strategic direction of the new league. Former MLB Executive Kim Ng is a Senior Advisor. USA Softball is a strategic partner.

What happens to the existing AU Pro Softball Championship Season in 2025?

The existing AU Pro Softball Championship Season will follow the conclusion of the AUSL season and will be renamed the AUSL Champions Cup beginning in 2025, while continuing to use AU’s innovative scoring model to crown an individual champion. 

Who will select the players for each team roster?

The player selection and draft process will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

How can fans learn more about the league?

Follow us on social media for upcoming announcements via this page and at @AUProSoftball. #AUSL