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 expanded to six teams in six home cities for 2026. The regular season ran June 9 to July 21, and the Utah Talons won their second straight championship. Every result is on the 2026 schedule and results page.
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 networks, CBS Sports Network and MLB Network, and Game 1 of the 2026 Championship Series aired on ABC. 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 did the 2026 AUSL season start?
The 2026 AUSL regular season opened on June 9, 2026, and ended July 21. The Utah Talons won the championship at Davis Diamond on July 26, and the All-Star Cup followed Aug. 8-30 in Rosemont, Illinois. Every result is on the 2026 schedule and results page.
How can I watch AUSL games on TV?
In 2026, 43 regular-season games aired on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNU, 17 on CBS Sports Network and five on MLB Network, with nine more streaming on MLB.tv. Game 1 of the Championship Series aired on ABC. Check theausl.com/schedule for the full broadcast schedule.
When was the 2026 AUSL College Draft?
The 2026 AUSL College Draft was held on May 4, 2026, on ESPN2. The Carolina Blaze took Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens No. 1 overall, and all 17 Golden Ticket recipients were selected. See the full draft results.
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).