The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) opened its 2026 season schedule on Tuesday night, but without its most anticipated rookie. NiJaree Canady, the No. 2 overall draft pick for the Texas Volts, remains sidelined by an ongoing contract standoff with the league.
NiJaree Canady's Record-Setting College Softball Career
Canady wrapped up her decorated collegiate career less than a week ago after leading her team to its second straight Women's College World Series championship series.
Across four seasons split between Stanford and Texas Tech, she recorded 104 wins, 1,127 strikeouts, and an ERA below 1.90, earning USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year honors twice.
She also set a career record with 21 WCWS appearances. Off the field, Canady signed two separate million-dollar NIL deals at Texas Tech, making her the highest-paid player in college softball.
Back in May, Canady signed a marketing NIL deal with the AUSL, but she has yet to agree to a professional playing contract with the Volts. The league handles contracts directly rather than through individual franchises, and it uses a strict, non-negotiable five-tier pay structure for AUSL salaries.
For a player who secured million-dollar NIL deals at Texas Tech, the AUSL salary system likely creates a significant gap.
AUSL Contract Standoff Shifts Texas Volts Roster
Canady's draft team, the Texas Volts, must now lean on softball veterans Rachel Garcia and Alyssa Denham to hold down the circle.
The AUSL schedule opened with a three-game series between the Texas Volts and the Oklahoma City Spark in Oklahoma. ESPN2 carried the broadcast, and fans noticed Canady's absence.
League officials and Canady's representation at The Team remain hopeful an agreement will be reached soon.
"Women athletes have continued to prove that seeking their value is not about self-interest, it's about what you owe the sport and everyone coming after you," Canady's agent, Lindsay Colas, told JWS.
"NiJa loves this game too much to let this moment pass without honoring what it's asking of her. NiJa is grateful for all of it and she looks forward to joining her team and competing as soon as we can finalize the contract."
