Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins first city-based season

The GIST: Missing softball following last week’s epic Women’s College World Series (WCWS)? You’re in luck. Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins its second season tomorrow, boasting more teams, more games, and more ways to watch than ever before. Going, going, gone.

✅ League expands to six teams for first city-based campaign: AUSL operated under a tour-based system last year, meaning this season marks the first with teams playing in their home cities — a more traditional format that will help the league embrace already softball-crazed markets.

• AUSL also added two new squads this season — Oklahoma City Spark and Portland Cascade — bringing the league total to six. Those teams will play 25 regular-season games from tomorrow through mid-July ahead of a historic three-team postseason.

🏆 Defending champ Talons ready to run it back: Now based in Utah, the 2025 champion Talons return much of last year’s title-winning core, including reigning Pitcher of the Year Georgina Corrick and her partner-in-hurling, Montana Fouts. So stacked.

• And if you like offense, may we suggest the Chicago Bandits? They boast 2025 MVP Erin Coffel, along with two of the league’s top three home run hitters last season.

👀 All eyes on softball with improved broadcast deals: After the WCWS put up another year of incredible viewership numbers, fans can rejoice because AUSL is more accessible than ever. The league announced a multi-year distribution deal with ESPN in the offseason and will be in front of all bat and ball enthusiasts worldwide through its strategic partnership with MLB. Knocking it out of the park.