Full Breakdown
Athletes Unlimited Softball League Expands with 2026 Host Cities and Schedule
1/13/2026, 11:37:27 PM
Overview of the AUSL's Growth
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) has announced its host cities and schedule for the 2026 season, marking a significant milestone in the league's expansion. Following a successful inaugural season, the AUSL will feature six teams, each based in cities with strong softball traditions and fan engagement. The league aims to deepen its national footprint and foster connections between athletes and their communities.
Host Cities and Venues
The six teams and their respective venues are as follows:
- Oklahoma City Spark: Tom Heath Field at Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Spark, announced as the league's first city, aims to connect with a passionate local fan base.
- Carolina Blaze: Smith Family Stadium at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. The Blaze reflects the region's rich softball heritage, bolstered by former Duke players on the roster.
- Chicago Bandits: The Stadium at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex, Rosemont, Illinois. The Bandits' return signifies a blend of tradition and innovation in a city known for its deep softball roots.
- Portland Cascade: Hillsboro Ballpark, Hillsboro, Oregon. The Cascade will thrive in a community that embraces women's sports, supported by local softball standouts.
- Texas Volts: Dell Diamond, Round Rock, Texas. The Volts are anchored in a region with a strong softball legacy and a growing women's sports community.
- Utah Talons: Dumke Family Stadium at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah. The Talons, reigning AUSL champions, are deeply connected to their community and have shown strong fan support.
2026 Regular Season Schedule
The AUSL regular season will commence on June 9, 2026, with all six teams in action. The opening matchups include the Oklahoma City Spark hosting the Texas Volts, the Carolina Blaze facing the Portland Cascade, and the Utah Talons taking on the Chicago Bandits. The complete schedule includes multiple matchups across various venues, with games scheduled through July.
Playoff Format and Future Events
The AUSL will introduce an expanded playoff format for 2026, featuring a play-in game between the second and third-ranked teams, with the top team receiving a bye into the championship series. The AUSL Championship will take place at a neutral site, to be determined later. Following the championship, select players will compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup, showcasing individual talent within the innovative Athletes Unlimited format.
Official Statements
Kim Ng, Commissioner of the AUSL, emphasized the significance of the new host cities, stating, “These host cities represent the next major chapter of the AUSL’s growth... This is about creating lasting connections between our athletes, our teams, and the communities they represent.” The league's expansion reflects a commitment to professional women's sports and aims to build a sustainable future for softball.
What's Next
Fans can now purchase Founding Season Ticket Memberships for any of the six teams, with single-game tickets to be made available later. The AUSL's partnership with Major League Baseball and a multi-year media rights extension with ESPN will enhance visibility and support for the league, including coverage of 50 exclusive games annually.
The 2026 season promises to be a pivotal year for the AUSL, as it seeks to solidify its place in the landscape of professional sports and engage a diverse audience across the United States.
