A Home Run for Women’s Sports: MLB Makes Historic Investment in AUSL

In a game-changing moment for women’s professional sports, Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially stepped up to the plate — not just for baseball, but for softball too.

On May 29, 2025, MLB announced a groundbreaking strategic investment in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), marking the league’s first major partnership with a women’s pro sports organization. This isn’t just a symbolic nod to equality — it’s a full-scale, multi-platform, powerhouse collaboration to help softball thrive at the highest level.

What Does This Mean?

The AUSL, which kicks off its inaugural season on June 7 in Rosemont, IL and Wichita, KS, is no longer just a promising vision — it's a fully backed, fully supported professional league with the muscle of MLB behind it.

Here’s what’s coming:

• Game broadcasts on MLB Network and MLB.com

• Cross-platform promotion via MLB events, social media, and editorial content

• Financial support for league operations and growth

• Joint sales and marketing efforts

• Softball athletes and storylines featured during the MLB All-Star Game and Postseason

Why Now?

As Commissioner Rob Manfred put it:

"During this extraordinarily exciting time for women’s sports, we want softball to thrive. MLB is committed to help build a sustainable and impactful league that drives fandom, serves the softball community, and benefits all female athletes."

This investment expands MLB’s continued support of softball, which includes programs like:

• PLAY BALL

• Nike RBI

• Breakthrough Series

• Elite Development Invitational

• NFCA sponsorship

What Is AUSL?

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a pro league launched under Athletes Unlimited, known for its innovative, player-led format. In 2025, AUSL will feature four teams — the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — traveling to 12 cities and playing 24 games apiece.

The regular season ends with a best-of-three Championship Series from July 26–28 at Rhoads Stadium in Alabama. Then comes the All-Star Cup in August — a unique 21-game event using AU’s dynamic leaderboard scoring system.

In 2026, AUSL will shift to a city-based model, giving fans a true home team to root for.

Why This Matters

Softball has long deserved a professional platform with reach, respect, and resources. MLB’s involvement sends a powerful message: softball is ready for the spotlight — and this league is built to last.

AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, the first woman GM of an MLB team, said it best:

"MLB’s investment will supercharge our efforts to build the sustainable professional league this sport has long deserved... We’re going to reach new fans and inspire the next generation of softball players."

How to Watch

Don’t miss Opening Day, June 7, when the Volts take on the Blaze live from Wichita at 7:30 p.m. ET — airing exclusively on MLB Network and streaming for MLB.TV subscribers.

Throughout the season, AUSL highlights, interviews, and features will air during shows like MLB Tonight: National Pregame Show.

Softball’s Future Starts Now

Whether you're a player, coach, fan, or dreamer — this is your moment too. A new era of professional softball is here.