BRISTOL, Conn. — ESPN and the Athletes Unlimited Softball League announced a multi-year broadcast rights extension on Oct. 29, 2025, bringing professional softball to ABC for the first time in American television history. The three-year agreement covering 2026 through 2028 includes 50 exclusive AUSL games annually.
Under the deal, 47 regular-season games and a best-of-three championship series will air across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU each season. At least one AUSL Championship game will air on ABC, giving professional softball its first appearance on broadcast television in the United States.
The agreement also expands ESPN’s coverage of Athletes Unlimited basketball and volleyball, with 24 games annually on ESPN platforms. ESPN viewership of AUSL content rose 88 percent year-over-year during the 2025 season.
What the Deal Includes
The broadcast agreement is structured as a three-year deal running from 2026 through 2028, giving the AUSL guaranteed national distribution during the critical early years of the league’s development. The multi-year commitment provides financial stability and allows the league to plan programming and marketing campaigns well in advance.
The inclusion of ABC broadcasts is particularly significant. Professional softball has historically been limited to cable sports networks, and the move to broadcast television dramatically expands the potential viewing audience. ABC’s reach to approximately 120 million households gives the AUSL access to casual sports fans who may not subscribe to ESPN’s cable channels.
Growing Audience
ESPN’s viewership of AUSL content rose 88 percent year-over-year during the 2025 season, indicating strong audience growth that justified the expanded commitment. The increase reflected both the growing interest in women’s professional sports and the quality of the on-field product during the league’s inaugural season.
The deal also covers Athletes Unlimited basketball and volleyball, with 24 games annually on ESPN platforms. The broader relationship between ESPN and Athletes Unlimited provides cross-promotional opportunities and a unified production infrastructure that benefits all three sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AUSL games will air on ESPN?
The deal includes 50 exclusive AUSL games annually across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ABC, covering 2026 through 2028.
Will AUSL games air on ABC?
Yes. At least one AUSL Championship game will air on ABC each season, marking the first time professional softball appears on broadcast television in the United States.
When was the ESPN deal announced?
The multi-year broadcast extension was announced on Oct. 29, 2025.
About the AUSL
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a professional women’s softball league featuring six franchises competing in a 50-game season. Founded in partnership with ESPN, the AUSL launched in 2025 and expanded to six permanent home-city teams for 2026 under Commissioner Kim Ng. Games air across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ABC.
About Aspen Eighty
Aspen Eighty is a female-founded, independent digital publication covering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. We publish breaking news, scores, draft analysis, and player profiles for all six AUSL teams. Our mission is to amplify women’s professional softball and inspire the next generation of athletes.
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