Sports world reacts to the launch of the AUSL
Athletes, fans and sports figures respond on social media to the AUSL announcement
Athletes Unlimited announced Tuesday that it will launch a traditional softball league in May 2025.
News of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) broke at a press conference featuring CEO Jon Patricof and Director of Softball Cheri Kempf. The launch caused a flurry of reactions on social media from fans, athletes, and the sports world. Here’s a sampling of the response.
Figures in and beyond women’s sports expressed their excitement.
BIG NEWS! The best softball league in the world introducing a new league using the traditional softball format — yet another way for their world class talent to be showcased. Gooooood stuff!! https://t.co/VKJitFJLNf
— Sarah Spain (@SarahSpain) June 4, 2024
This is absolutely amazing. So many opportunities for women and more chances for young girls to dream. https://t.co/aPBpDxLSCh
— Maria Trivelpiece (@M_Trivelpiece) June 4, 2024
Other professional women’s leagues shared their support.
If you build it, they will come 🙌 https://t.co/It7GmLtTi5
— League One Volleyball (@leagueonevb) June 4, 2024
Big news for our sisters over in softball!
Can't wait to watch the #AUSL! https://t.co/dcM0z6HQmb
— Cassidy Lichtman (@CassidyLichtman) June 4, 2024
Fans noted the player salaries and felt it was competitive compensation for the 30-game season.
Awesome start! To get paid this for 30 games during something you love? Sounds like a no brainer to me!!! https://t.co/3TtmlH3Z7o
— Athena Hawkins (@athena_hawkins) June 4, 2024
this is what a women’s league needs. financial transparency https://t.co/JVuvELllBf
— gwyn (@okaygwyn) June 4, 2024
This is pretty significant for a league going into its inaugural season. https://t.co/DMSsxemxCh
— Lee Parayno (@leeparayno) June 4, 2024
League advisory board members Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley – who also spoke at the press conference – especially resonated. All three Olympians have personal experience playing pro softball in the U.S. and abroad and know the need for a viable league.
Chills @jessmendoza 👏🏼 https://t.co/eNbZntuKcR
— Sierra Joy Romero (@Sierrajoy32) June 4, 2024
Honored to be part of AUSL and continuing to shape pro softball here in the US. https://t.co/jSO3vNeeaT
— Cat Osterman OLY (@catosterman) June 4, 2024
Monumental day! This is HUGE! Next big step in our game is sustaining a pro-league…. it’s here! Let’s goooo https://t.co/nMQilz2uFn
— Natasha Watley OLY (@natashawatley29) June 4, 2024
Fans can watch the press conference here. For more details on the AUSL and league updates, go to AUProSports.com/AUSL.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Twitter @savannaecollins.
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