Maya Brady Goes No. 1 to OKC Spark in AUSL Expansion Draft

BRISTOL, Conn. — The Oklahoma City Spark selected Maya Brady with the first overall pick in the AUSL expansion draft on Dec. 1, 2025, broadcast live on ESPNU. The Portland Cascade selected pitcher Sam Landry with their first pick as both expansion franchises built their rosters for the 2026 season.

The expansion draft allowed the Spark and Cascade to select from unprotected players on the rosters of the four original AUSL teams. An allocation draft for more than 100 declaring players followed immediately after the expansion draft.

The draft marks a key step in the league’s expansion from four to six teams ahead of the 2026 season, when all franchises will play in permanent home cities for the first time.

Brady’s Background

Maya Brady, the niece of seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, has been one of the most high-profile figures in college softball throughout her career at UCLA. A versatile utility player, Brady has played multiple positions for the Bruins and brings a combination of athleticism, name recognition and marketability that made her the clear top target for the expansion Spark.

The selection gives OKC an immediate star presence to anchor the franchise’s marketing and fan engagement efforts in its inaugural season. In a league working to build brand awareness and attract casual sports fans, Brady’s crossover appeal extends well beyond the softball community.

Expansion Draft Results

The expansion draft allowed the OKC Spark and Portland Cascade to select unprotected players from the league’s four existing rosters, giving both new franchises a foundation of proven professional talent. The draft was designed to balance competitive parity with protecting the core rosters of the established teams.

Brady’s No. 1 selection set the tone for an expansion draft that distributed talent across both new franchises. The Spark and Cascade will continue building their rosters through free agency and the 2026 AUSL College Draft on May 4 on ESPN2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the first pick in the AUSL expansion draft?

Maya Brady was selected first overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the AUSL expansion draft on Dec. 1, 2025.

What is the AUSL expansion draft?

The expansion draft allowed the two new teams, Oklahoma City Spark and Portland Cascade, to select unprotected players from the four original AUSL teams.

Where was the expansion draft broadcast?

The AUSL expansion draft aired live on ESPNU on Dec. 1, 2025.