Athletes Unlimited Softball League 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is transitioning to a city-based league structure for its 2026 season, supported by an eight-figure investment from Major League Baseball. The league now features six teams with permanent home cities, starting a regular season this Tuesday that runs through July 20.
According to league details, the AUSL is moving away from the barnstorming model used in its inaugural 2025 season. This shift follows a year that saw 24 sellout crowds, over $1 million in merchandise sales, and an 88% increase in viewership across ESPN platforms compared to previous Athletes Unlimited Championship Series broadcasts.
Why is the AUSL moving to a city-based model?
League officials stated the move to permanent homes is designed to foster stronger connections between players and host cities. The league has expanded from four teams to six: the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts, and Utah Talons.
This structure eliminates the “chaotic weekend tournaments” of the previous year in favor of a standardized schedule. The 2026 regular season consists of 25 games per team, utilizing two- or three-game series with only one game per day to reduce player fatigue.
How does the 2026 season and postseason work?
The postseason begins July 23 at Davis Diamond in College Station, Texas. The No. 1 seed receives a direct bye into the best-of-three Championship Series, which runs from July 25 to July 27.
The No. 2 and No. 3 seeds must compete in a single-elimination play-in game on July 23 to determine who advances to the finals. Every game in the 2026 season will be televised or streamed.
Who are the key players and leaders for the new season?
The league is led by Commissioner Kim Ng, a former MLB executive and Marlins general manager. The AUSL also works with strategic partner USA Softball and advisors Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza, and Natasha Watley.
Rosters feature 16 players per team, including top draft picks. Karlyn Pickens, a pitcher with a record-setting 79.4 mph fastball, went No. 1 overall to the Blaze, while Maya Brady went No. 1 overall to the Spark.
Returning stars include Bandits infielder Erin Coffel, the inaugural season’s MVP, and Talons pitcher Georgina Corrick, the reigning Pitcher of the Year. The league’s general managers include softball legends Cat Osterman for the Volts and Lisa Fernandez for the Talons.
What are the Opening Day matchups?
Opening Day features three scheduled games. The Portland Cascade will face the Carolina Blaze at Smith Family Stadium at 5 p.m. ET on the CBS Sports Network.
The Texas Volts visit the Oklahoma City Spark at 7 p.m. ET at Tom Heath Field, airing on ESPN2. The evening concludes at 9 p.m. ET in Salt Lake City, where the Chicago Bandits face the defending-champion Utah Talons at Dumke Family Softball Stadium.
What happens next for the league?
Following the regular season and July postseason, the league may shift focus to the AUSL All-Star Cup. This event is scheduled for Aug. 5-30 at The Stadium at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois, and will involve 60 players.
The continued partnership with MLB could lead to further increases in visibility across MLB’s digital, social, and editorial platforms as the league seeks to remain a sustainable enterprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the commissioner of the AUSL?
Former MLB executive Kim Ng serves as the commissioner, marking the first time a woman has held this role in a major U.S. league sport.
Which teams are in the 2026 AUSL season?
The league consists of six teams: the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts, and Utah Talons.
Where will the 2026 Championship Series be held?
The finals will take place July 25-27 at Davis Diamond in College Station, Texas.
Which city-based team do you think has the best chance to win the 2026 championship?