Major League baseball on Thursday announced investment in athletes unlimited softball league.
MLB did not provide the specifics, but ESPN reported that it is buying an equity share of “more than 20 percent” in the Falling Women’s Professional League and will also assist in marketing and content distribution.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, “Major League baseball investment in AUSL represents the opportunity to support the long -term development of softball and expand our engagement with these excellent athletes and their fans.”
Major League Baseball today announced a strategic investment in athletes unlimited softball league (AUSL), marking the first kind, comprehensive partnership with a female professional sports league.
The new Pro Softball League started with opening its inaugural season … pic.twitter.com/0PY7PAVUEV
– MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2025
The inauguration season of AUSL begins on June 7, with four teams – dacoits, blazes, talones and volt – a barnstorming style. Teams will play 24 games in each of 10 different cities through July 23. The top two teams will meet in Tuskalosa, Ala, a best-three championship series on 26-28 July.
Ausl is owned by the athlete unlimited. Kim NG, general manager of former Miami Marlins, was hired as the first commissioner of AUSL last month.
Manfred said, “As a part of our comprehensive commitment to grow softball and create more opportunities for women and girls in sports, the agreement reflects our confidence in the leadership of Kim NG, AUSL vision and its incredible talent of its athletes.” “During this exceptionally exciting time for women’s sports, we want to flourish softball. MLB is committed to help creating a permanent and impressive league that Drives Fandum, serves the softball community and benefits all women athletes.”
The League had already made a deal to broadcast 33 games with ESPN. With the new partnership, games will also be broadcast on MLB network and MLB.TV.
NG said in a statement, “This is a watershed moment for women’s game and especially for softball.” “MLB’s investment will supercharged our efforts to create a permanent professional league, the game has long worthy of and sends a powerful message about the value of women athletes and the importance of making professional opportunities for them. Along with this, we are going to reach new fans and motivate the next generation to softball players.”
-Bield level media
