Softball’s New Era: AUSL Launches City-Based Teams

Softball’s New Era Dawns with City-Based AUSL Format

Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is hitting a home run this summer with a brand-new league format. Gone are the days of barnstorming tours. Now, teams will represent specific cities, creating a deeper connection with fans and a stronger league identity. Major cities like Chicago, Portland, Salt Lake City, Durham, Round Rock, and Oklahoma City will become home bases for these exciting new franchises.

Opening Day Showdown Set for June 9th

The new season kicks off on June 9th with a tripleheader. The Chicago Bandits will travel to Utah to face the reigning champs, the Utah Talons. Meanwhile, the Carolina team will host Portland, and Oklahoma City will welcome Texas to their home field. This new structure aims to build lasting fan bases and bring the energy of professional softball to more communities across the country.

Maya Brady Embraces Oklahoma City Spark

For rising star Maya Brady, this new chapter is a dream come true. After a stellar season last year with the Utah Talons, Brady was the first overall pick in the December allocation draft. She’s heading to Oklahoma City to join the Spark, where she’ll be reunited with her former UCLA coach, Kirk Walker. “I feel like going into this new chapter in Oklahoma City with Kirk is just honestly a dream come true,” Brady shared. “To just have the opportunity to work with him again in the AUSL is a dream, so I’m very very lucky.” Her connection with Walker dates back to her recruitment for college, highlighting the strong bond between player and coach.

Sis Bates Ready to Shine for Portland Cascade

On the West Coast, Sis Bates is thrilled to join the Portland Cascade. Growing up in California and starring at the University of Washington, Bates feels a strong pull to the Pacific Northwest. “Yeah, it feels like it’s been such a long time since I’ve been there,” Bates said. “And now being drafted into Portland, I am seriously so thrilled.” With family living just a few hours away in California and Washington, the move feels like a homecoming. “It’s like a family reunion for us to all be in Portland,” she added. Bates is especially excited for her teammates to experience the passion of Portland fans, whom she described as “rabid” and incredibly supportive of their teams.

Softball’s Growth and the AUSL’s Role

Both Brady and Bates are keenly aware of the growing popularity of softball. The league’s support from Major League Baseball further bolsters its presence. “It’s such a big role for us, and we don’t take it lightly,” Bates explained when asked about being ambassadors for the sport. She recalled a time when televised softball was scarce, noting, “I don’t think I watched my first softball game until I was 10, maybe.” Now, with games on ESPN and MLB, she sees the league as a vital inspiration. “We want to be the best role models for those young gals that come out to our games and get to watch us on ESPN and MLB. And y’all can ball, too.”

Unmatched Talent Level in the AUSL

The competitive level in the AUSL is second to none, with 93% of Team USA players also participating in the league. “I genuinely don’t think that there’s another league like this,” Brady stated. “It’s just super special when you have All-American against All-American, Olympian coach versus Olympian coach. It’s from literally the top down. This is a first-class league.” Both players expressed excitement about being part of the league’s early stages, recognizing the immense talent pipeline coming up through college and travel ball systems. “I think this is truly just the beginning,” Brady added.

A Glimpse of the Action

The energy and talent were on full display during a recent promotional event. Host felt the heat firsthand when attempting to swing a bat under the watchful eyes of players like Kinzie and Alicia. Though she wasn’t allowed to take a full swing for safety reasons, the players praised her form. “The way you walked up, the confidence, I could feel the confidence through the screen, and that’s half the battle,” one player commented. They also playfully demonstrated the difficulty of hitting a rise ball, a pitch known for its deceptive upward movement. “My goodness,” the host exclaimed after witnessing the pitch’s speed.

Looking Ahead to Season 2

As the AUSL prepares for its second season, the shift to city-based teams marks a significant evolution. The league promises thrilling competition, strong fan engagement, and continued growth for professional softball. The June 9th opener between the Chicago Bandits and the Utah Talons is sure to set an exciting tone for the rest of the season.

Source: Athletes Unlimited Softball League announce new summer format 🥎 | SportsCenter (YouTube)