By: Gianna Postiglione, Intern Journalist
Published: June 10, 2026
Another season of professional softball is officially underway, and the energy is higher than ever. Established in 2025 as an expansion of the Athletes Unlimited Pro Championship Season, the league has already grown from four teams last year to six teams this year: Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts, and Utah Talons.
The regular season began on Tuesday and will run through July 20, with postseason play starting on July 23.
A New Generation: The Golden Ticket Draft
This year, the draft for the league consisted of 17 college seniors who received a "golden ticket." The draft consisted of four rounds, with the Carolina Blaze getting the first overall pick. Among some of the biggest names selected were Karlyn Pickens, NiJaree Canady, and Reese Atwood.
This is a big stepping stone for the game of softball, as well as female athletes everywhere. For many years, opportunities to play professionally in the United States were limited once a player's collegiate career ended. This creates an opportunity for elite female athletes to continue their careers without having to go overseas. The AUSL allows the big stars to keep shining on a big stage.
The Strategic Pivot: City-Based Franchises
What's different between this year and last year? One of the biggest changes in 2026 is the league's transition to a more traditional city-based model rather than a traveling format. The city-based structure resembles the way Major League Baseball operates, with teams establishing roots — and a fanbase — in their home market rather than traveling throughout the states. Each team has a home city, home field, and head coach as follows:
Home Turf: 2026 Coaches and Venues
- Chicago Bandits: The Stadium at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex (Rosemont, IL). Head coach: Shonda Stanton.
- Carolina Blaze: Smith Family Stadium at Duke University (Durham, NC). Head coach: Kara Dill.
- Portland Cascade: Hillsboro Ballpark (Hillsboro, OR). Head coach: Tairia Flowers.
- Oklahoma City Spark: Tom Heath Field at Oklahoma Christian University (Oklahoma City, OK). Head coach: Amber Flores.
- Texas Volts: Dell Diamond (Round Rock, TX). Head coach: Ricci Woodard.
- Utah Talons: Dumke Family Stadium at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT). Head coach: Howard Dobson.
Corporate Power: The MLB and Sephora Impact
This year, the league has been backed by MLB, including what has been reported as a multi-million-dollar deal, along with a sponsorship from Sephora. There will be a number of games streamed on ESPN, MLB Network, MLB.tv, CBS Sports Network, and ABC.
Expanding the Reach: Media and Exposure
Why is this important? Exposure. Increased TV exposure and endorsements will help widen the demographic of those who watch professional softball. It introduces the game of softball to others and allows college softball fans to watch the AUSL. With games appearing on larger networks, it allows the AUSL to expand its reach to fans who don’t normally watch softball and build a stronger fanbase. It’s important because it is going to allow fans of the Women’s College World Series to continue following some of their favorite stars.
Impact Beyond the Scoreboard
As the league continues in its second season, the success of the AUSL could shape the future for young softball players as well as professional softball. With increased media coverage, investors, incoming talent, and a growing fanbase, the league appears to be positioned for continued success. The AUSL provides little girls with big dreams a reason to keep going after college. It offers an opportunity that previous generations of softball players didn't have. Last but not least, it gives fans a reason to continue watching after the Women's College World Series.