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This collaboration marks MLB's first direct investment in a professional women's league, and is part of its ongoing commitment to the growth of softball at all levels. The partnership includes substantial financial backing, joint marketing and sales initiatives, as well as the broadcast of games on MLB Network and MLB.com.
"This investment represents a unique opportunity to support the long-term growth of softball and strengthen our commitment to these exceptional athletes," said Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner.
The AUSL is projected as a solid platform for elite softball players, at a time of great boom for women's sports. The league will be led by Kim Ng, former general manager of the Miami Marlins and current commissioner of the AUSL, who highlighted the importance of this alliance:
"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," said Ng.
Inaugural Season
The 2025 AUSL season will be held in a traveling format with four teams —Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts— competing in 10 different U.S. cities from June 7 to July 23. Each team will play 24 games. The championship will close with a best-of-three final series 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, with featured games that will be televised by MLB Network.
Long-Term Support
In addition to financial backing, the partnership also includes the integration of AUSL athletes and content into key MLB events, such as the All-Star Game and the postseason. Likewise, the league will have the support of ambassadors of the stature of 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 also organize the AUSL All-Star Cup, an individual competition that will be played in August with an innovative scoring format.
The AUSL rosters include prominent figures such as Lexi Kilfoyl, Rachel Garcia, Keilani Ricketts, and Amanda Lorenz, along with 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: www.theAUSL.com.
