NEW YORK – Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially announced a landmark investment and strategic partnership with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) ahead of its inaugural season kicking off on June 7, marking a major milestone for women’s professional sports in the United States.
With games set to be broadcast across MLB Network, MLB.tv, and ESPN, the AUSL is poised to become a cornerstone in the growing popularity of women’s softball — a sport that continues to draw national attention and rising viewership.
The partnership includes MLB acquiring an equity stake of more than 20% in the AUSL, making it the first major men’s sports league in North America to invest in an already established women’s league post-launch.
The AUSL will feature four teams — the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — competing across 12 cities in a barnstorming-style season through July 28, with the top two teams facing off in a best-of-three championship at Rhoads Stadium in Alabama.
Former MLB executive and Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng will serve as the league’s first commissioner, leading a team of influential women in softball, including ambassadors like Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley. The AUSL is also planning the All-Star Cup in August — a 24-game individual player competition with an innovative scoring format.
“This is a watershed moment for women’s sports and especially for softball,” Ng said in a statement. “MLB’s investment sends a powerful message about the value of female athletes and the importance of building a sustainable league that future generations can aspire to.”
The AUSL rosters were finalized through two player drafts, including standout names like Lexi Kilfoyl (Oklahoma State), Rachel Garcia (UCLA), Amanda Lorenz (Florida), and Bri Ellis (Arkansas) — forming a roster of collegiate stars and Team USA hopefuls. All 72 games this season will be shown on linear TV, including Opening Day matchups in Rosemont, Illinois and Wichita, Kansas.
MLB Standings Snapshot
| AL East Standings | Wins | Losses | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees | 32 | 18 | — |
| Baltimore Orioles | 30 | 20 | 2.0 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | 28 | 22 | 4.0 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 26 | 24 | 6.0 |
| Boston Red Sox | 22 | 28 | 10.0 |
| NL Central Standings | Wins | Losses | GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Brewers | 31 | 19 | — |
| Chicago Cubs | 29 | 21 | 2.0 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 27 | 23 | 4.0 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 24 | 26 | 7.0 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 20 | 30 | 11.0 |
Braves Game Today – May 29, 2025
The Atlanta Braves face off against the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at Truist Park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:20 PM ET. The Braves look to bounce back after a narrow extra-innings loss yesterday and remain neck-and-neck in the NL East standings with the New York Mets.
Why AUSL Matters in the Broader Sports Landscape
The AUSL’s debut represents more than just the launch of a league — it symbolizes the potential of women’s sports as a thriving business and cultural force.
With annual revenues in women’s sports now exceeding $1 billion and the Women’s College World Series generating record ratings, MLB’s support sends a clear message about the future: softball belongs on the pro sports stage.
This partnership also reinforces MLB’s commitment to growing youth engagement through programs like PLAY BALL, Nike RBI, and the Breakthrough Series, while providing a career path for female athletes after college. As MLB’s Tony Reagins put it, “We want this to be not just good — but great.”