MLB Invests in Up-and-Coming AUSL: What This Means for Baseball Fans

Major League Baseball (MLB) is stepping into a new game by investing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). This promising league is gearing up for its first season with four teams and dreams of growing even bigger in the coming years.

Women’s sports are booming, bringing in more than $1 billion annually. This partnership with MLB gives the AUSL a strong boost, especially in an area where many leagues before it have struggled. Reports suggest that MLB’s stake in the AUSL is over 20%. Along with financial support, MLB will help with marketing and spreading the word about the league.

Jon Patricof, CEO and co-founder of Athletes Unlimited, highlighted the significance of this moment. He told ESPN, “This is a financial investment, but it’s about so much more.” It’s about changing the landscape for women’s sports.

Historically, this marks a shift. The NBA began the WNBA in 1996, owning around 60% of it. But no major men’s North American sports league had made a meaningful investment in its women’s counterpart until now. Athletes Unlimited also runs leagues for women’s basketball and volleyball. Their upcoming summer season will feature 12 different locations.

Tony Reagins, MLB’s chief baseball development officer, expressed optimism. “We think the time is right to partner with a credible source,” he said. “We want to create more opportunities for young women in sports.”

The AUSL has already secured a deal with ESPN to broadcast 33 games this summer. MLB Network will also air some games, including the opening day on June 7. All of the league’s games will be on television, ensuring greater visibility. Plus, AUSL players will participate in MLB’s All-Star Game, building awareness around professional women’s softball.

In the past, MLB collaborated with the National Pro Fastpitch league for 18 years but didn’t invest as significantly. This investment reflects MLB’s growing interest in women’s sports. Patricof noted how important it is to support women’s sports at every level.

Conversations about this partnership started in 2024. In April 2025, AUSL brought in Kim Ng as commissioner, known for her significant role with the Miami Marlins.

The response to the AUSL’s formation has been positive, particularly with the popularity of the Women’s College World Series, which has attracted large audiences in recent years. With players from college joining, along with legends like Jennie Finch, the AUSL shows promise for a bright future.

“This is just the beginning,” Patricof emphasized. The league is positioned to grow and aims to create something special for fans and athletes alike.

As interest escalates, many young women now have role models to look up to, paving the way for a new generation in sports. For more insights, check out this report on the rise of women’s sports from the Women’s Sports Foundation.



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