New York – A significant milestone for women’s softball has been achieved. Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced a strategic alliance with USA Softball, marking a bold step towards the growth of this sport. The main objective of the collaboration is to support the creation of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), whose inaugural season is scheduled to begin on June 7th. This initiative represents MLB’s first direct investment in a professional women’s league. The partnership includes significant financial support, joint marketing and sales initiatives, and the broadcast of games via MLB Network and MLB.com.
The AUSL is shaping up to be a key platform for elite softball players, at a time of booming women’s sports. The league will be led by Kim Ng, former general manager of the Miami Marlins and current AUSL commissioner.This investment represents a unique opportunity to support the long-term growth of softball and strengthen our commitment to these exceptional athletes.
Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner
This agreement reflects not only the commitment to the development of softball, but also the confidence in the talent of our athletes. Together, we are going to inspire a new generation of players.
Kim Ng, AUSL commissioner
Inaugural Season
The 2025 AUSL season will be held in a traveling format. Four teams, Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts, will compete in 10 U.S. cities from June 7 to July 23. Each team will play 24 games. The championship will culminate with a best-of-three final series, which will take place from July 26 to 28 at Rhoads Stadium at the University of Alabama. The opening day will take place in Rosemont, Illinois and Wichita, Kansas. The most outstanding games will be televised by MLB Network.Long-Term Support
In addition to financial backing, the alliance includes the integration of AUSL athletes and content into major MLB events, such as the All-Star Game and the postseason. The league will also have the support of ambassadors like Jennie Finch, Natasha Watley, Jessica Mendoza, and Cat Osterman. The AUSL is part of Athletes Unlimited, an organization founded in 2010 that operates women’s basketball, volleyball, and softball leagues. After the season, Athletes Unlimited will organize the AUSL All-Star Cup, an individual competition to be played in August with an innovative scoring format. The AUSL rosters will include prominent figures such as Lexi Kilfoyl, Rachel Garcia, Keilani Ricketts, and Amanda Lorenz, as well as young college prospects like Sam Landry and Bri Ellis, USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year.For more information on schedules and tickets, fans can visit the official AUSL website.
