Athletes Unlimited Softball League Launches Amid Surge in Women’s Sports

ROSEMONT, Illinois — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) officially launched on Saturday, marking a significant moment for women’s sports as organizers aim to capture a growing audience.

Commissioner Kim Ng, a veteran MLB executive, emphasized the league’s potential. “There’s a lot of energy — a lot of passion,” she said. “I think this is a long time coming for the softball community.” AUSL has partnered with Major League Baseball, which has taken an equity stake, and ESPN, which will air 40 games this summer.

Recent viewership data has shown strong interest in women’s sports, with the Women’s College World Series surpassing 1 million viewers for five straight tournaments. Last year’s finals attracted 2 million viewers, reflecting the demand for pro softball. “Softball is an absolute juggernaut on the TV front,” said Jon Patricof, CEO and co-founder of Athletes Unlimited.

Natasha Watley, an AUSL advisor and former Team USA player, likened the league launch to her experience winning a gold medal in 2004. She expressed hope that her daughter could cherish memories of this historic moment. “I was there for opening weekend, and I was 3 years old, and now look at it,” she shared emotionally.

The league will start with four teams: the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts. In 2025, AUSL plans to tour 10 cities before becoming city-based next season. Each team will consist of 15 players, and the AUSL Championship will occur in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from July 26-28.

The transition to a traditional team format is a significant shift, away from the individual-focused model used previously. Jennings Finch, a league advisor and softball legend, believes this structure will foster more engaging storylines for viewers. “You’ll have a jersey and a mascot to get behind as well,” she noted.

Games will be played in cities including Wichita, Kansas; Sulphur, Louisiana; and Seattle, with the aim of gauging fan interest in each location for future home teams.

Several notable players will be participating, including Odicci Alexander, who led James Madison to a historic Women’s College World Series appearance in 2021, and Lexi Kilfoyl, the first pick in the AUSL inaugural draft.

The league’s governing bodies aim to provide players with better benefits compared to prior leagues, including salaries of up to $75,000 per season and individual hotel rooms while touring. “Our athletes, they’re all probably jumping for joy,” Osterman added regarding the positive changes.

As excitement builds, players express a mix of anticipation and nerves about the league’s potential. “I’m 100 percent going to be shaking in my boots,” said Michaela Edenfield, a top draft pick, emphasizing the quality of competition.