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2d ago

MLB Invests in Athletes Unlimited Softball League Ahead of Inaugural Season

MLB’s funding will underwrite operations, marketing and broadcasts on its platforms to support AUSL’s inaugural season beginning June 7.

Athletes Unlimited Softball League players Montana Fouts, Odicci Alexander, Sis Bates, Skylar Wallace, Amanda Lorenz, Aliyah Andrews, Maya Brady and Aleshia Ocasio.
GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA - AUGUST 07: Team Kilfoil and Team McQuillin starters stand for the national anthem with Little League World Series players during an Athletes Unlimited Pro game at Max R. Joyner Family Stadium on August 07, 2024 in Greenville, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Taylor Edwards takes her at-bat during an Athletes Unlimited Pro game at Max R. Joyner Family Stadium in an August 2024 game. Edwards is among the players who will be taking part in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League's inaugural season this year.
Jul 13, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; USA softball Olympian Jennie Finch (27) of the American League looks on as she pitches against the National League during the 2024 All Star Celebrity Softball Game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo

Overview

  • Major League Baseball announced a strategic investment on May 29 marking its first comprehensive partnership with a women’s professional sports league.
  • The undisclosed investment will cover operational costs and key growth initiatives for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League to ensure stability in its debut year.
  • Four teams will tour 12 cities in a barnstorming format from June 7 to July 23, each playing 24 games before a best-of-three championship series.
  • Select games will air on MLB Network and MLB.tv, and AUSL athletes will be featured at MLB All-Star and postseason events to raise the league’s profile.
  • AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng leads the league with guidance from legends Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley and plans call for six city-based teams in 2026.