The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is the premier professional softball league in the United States, featuring six teams across major markets from coast to coast. Under Commissioner Kim Ng, the AUSL airs nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC.
The AUSL’s 2026 season marks the league’s expansion to six permanent host cities, with Opening Day set for June 9, 2026. All six teams will take the field on the first day of play.
Frequently Asked Questions About the AUSL
What is the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)?
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is the premier professional women’s softball league in the United States. Launched in 2025 with four teams and expanded to six in 2026, the AUSL features top college and international talent competing in front of fans across major markets. Games air nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, with 50 games per season. Learn more at theausl.com.
Who is the AUSL Commissioner?
The AUSL is led by Commissioner Kim Ng, a trailblazer in professional sports who previously served as General Manager of the Miami Marlins, making her the first woman to hold that role in any of the four major North American professional sports leagues. She was appointed AUSL Commissioner ahead of the league’s inaugural 2025 season.
How many teams are in the AUSL?
The AUSL has six teams for the 2026 season: the Chicago Bandits, Carolina Blaze (Durham, NC), Portland Cascade, OKC Spark, Texas Volts (Round Rock, TX), and Utah Talons (Salt Lake City). The league expanded from four teams in 2025 to six in 2026.
When does the 2026 AUSL season start?
The 2026 AUSL regular season begins on June 9, 2026, with all six teams scheduled to play on Opening Day. The regular season runs through August, followed by a postseason tournament and the AUSL All-Star Cup. View the full 2026 AUSL schedule.
How can I watch AUSL games on TV?
AUSL games air nationally on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC as part of a multi-year broadcast deal. The league has 50 games per season on ESPN platforms, with marquee matchups featured on ABC. Regional broadcasts are also available on networks including MSG Network, NESN, and Fox 32 Chicago. Check theausl.com/schedule for the full broadcast schedule.
When is the 2026 AUSL Draft?
The 2026 AUSL College Draft takes place on May 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET, airing live on ESPN2. The Carolina Blaze hold the No. 1 overall pick. Seven Golden Ticket recipients have already been announced, guaranteeing their spots in the draft. Follow Aspen Eighty’s Draft Watch coverage for the latest updates.
What is an AUSL Golden Ticket?
A Golden Ticket is the AUSL’s pre-draft selection mechanism that guarantees a top college player a spot in the annual College Draft. Golden Ticket recipients are announced in the weeks leading up to the draft and represent the league’s most coveted incoming talent. The 2026 class includes seven recipients so far, led by NiJaree Canady (Texas Tech) as the first selection.
How do I buy AUSL tickets?
Tickets for AUSL games are available through each team’s individual ticketing channels. Visit the team pages on theausl.com or check Aspen Eighty’s Teams hub for links to each franchise’s venue and ticket information. Venues range from 311 seats (OKC Spark) to 11,631 seats (Texas Volts at Dell Diamond).