Athletes Unlimited is tapping the breaks, as the multi-sport operation pulls back from its pro volleyball and basketball leagues to reimagine both products.

AU is zeroing in on its pro softball league after second-season ratings jumped 181% on ESPN, with the AUSL serving as its sole property in 2027.

“As we look ahead, we’re sharpening our focus on where we can create the greatest long-term impact for athletes, fans, and partners,” AU said in a statement.

“As part of that strategy, we’ll pause AU Pro Volleyball during the 2026 season and AU Pro Basketball for the 2027 season while we thoughtfully reimagine the future of those properties to reflect the continued growth and evolution of both sports.”

The news comes as upstarts LOVB, MLV, and Unrivaled 3×3 gain steam. Additionally, preparations for the 2028 Olympics have presented scheduling issues for Athletes Unlimited’s truncated format.

These aren’t the company’s first casualties, after it cut AU Pro Lacrosse in 2024 over similar concerns.

The broadcast reach of Athletes Unlimited got even stronger this week, as the pro women's sports organization scored a blockbuster media rights extension with ESPN on Wednesday, ensuring three more years of basketball, volleyball, and softball coverage.

"The growth we've seen across Athletes Unlimited's leagues speaks to the power and appeal of women's sports," said ESPN EVP of programming and acquisitions Rosalyn Durant. "We're excited to deepen our partnership and bring even more of these moments and athletes to fans everywhere."

As part of the extended partnership, ESPN will exclusively air 50 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) games annually, including 47 regular-season matchups and the AUSL Championship Series, with the company's titan channel ABC also committed to airing the first-ever pro softball game on network television.

The broadcast giant already has a vested interest in softball's future, with the most recent Women's College World Series Finals delivering a record-high 2.2 million viewers across ESPN networks last June.

AU's basketball and volleyball footprints are also growing, with all 24 games from each competition's season now set to air live each year.

"This renewed and expanded partnership affirms the strength of our properties and reflects the growing enthusiasm for women's professional sports," said AU chief broadcast officer Cheri Kempf.