Pro softball is on the rise, as the second-year Athletes Unlimited Softball League reported viewership up 181% over the same time last season.
ESPN upgraded multiple AUSL games to larger platforms through its first two weeks, with a league-record 404,000 average viewers tuning in to see the OKC Spark take on the Portland Cascade on June 21st.
Between the Texas Volts breaking the single-game home run record and pitchers throwing five complete-game shutouts, the AUSL has also landed seven SportsCenter “Top Ten Plays” features.
2026 MLB All-Star Game Spotlights AUSL Stars
Four AUSL stars take center stage later this month, after MLB invited them to compete in All-Star Weekend’s MLBx Derby, a co-ed 3-on-3 showcase awarding players on both home runs and defensive plays.
The Carolina Blaze’s Alyssa Brito leads the lineup, joined by Texas trio Tiare Jenning, Rachel Garcia, and star rookie NiJaree Canady.
“This partnership gives our athletes an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills,” said AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng. “MLBx is an exciting format that highlights athleticism, power, and defensive excellence.”
