The Athletes Unlimited Softball League took a major step in solidifying itself as the premiere professional softball league in the United States.
The AUSL was already set to start the new version of its softball league this summer, switching to a more traditional format instead of the player-led system it had before. Then on May 29, the league announced that Major League Baseball is purchasing an equity stake in the AUSL.
The MLB’s stake in the AUSL is more than 20%, according to ESPN, and the league will assist the AUSL in marketing and content distribution as well. It’s a first-of-its-kind partnership with a women’s professional sports league with the goal to grow the AUSL into an established, sustainable entity.
Tennessee softball alums Aubrey Leach and Payton Gottshall are both signed to play for the league this summer. The AUSL begins playing on June 7 and will feature four teams playing in 12 locations before establishing teams based in cities in 2026.
Leach, Tennessee’s director of player development, has played for AU Pro Softball since the league’s inception. Leach was a star infielder at Tennessee from 2016-19. Gottshall played for Tennessee from 2023-24 and signed with AU Pro in 2024 as the No. 5 overall pick.
UT coach Karen Weekly talked about the possibility of the MLB getting involved during the Women’s College World Series media day on May 28.
“I think any women’s league that’s been successful has had significant financial backing, and not just ticket sales and merchandising and things like that,” Weekly said. “Softball is going to need the same thing. I don’t know that there’s anything official yet, but we’ve heard that MLB is interested in getting involved. I think Kim Ng is going to make a huge difference being the commissioner of this league.
“It’s a long time coming. These young women deserve it. I’m just very hopeful that this is the one that’s actually sustainable.”
Kim Ng, the former Miami Marlins general manager, is a big reason why Weekly believes the AUSL can be successful. Ng was hired as the commissioner of the AUSL, and she has more than 30 years of experience as an executive in the MLB ecosystem.
Weekly said Ng’s expertise will not only help the league find a path to success, but also provides credibility to stakeholders when it comes to sponsorships and media deals.
The AUSL already has a deal with ESPN to broadcast 33 games this summer, and the partnership with MLB includes games aired on MLB Network. All 72 AUSL games will be on linear television, according to ESPN.
“This is a watershed moment for women’s sports and especially for softball,” Ng said in an AUSL release. “MLB’s investment will supercharge our efforts to build the sustainable professional league this sport has long deserved, and sends a powerful message about the value of female athletes and the importance of creating professional opportunities for them. Together, we’re going to reach new fans and inspire the next generation of softball players.”
Cora Hall covers University of Tennessee women’s athletics. Email her at cora.hall@knoxnews.com and follow her on X @corahalll. If you enjoy Cora’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that allows you to access all of it.
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