The annual Athletes Unlimited Softball League College Draft is the opportunity for teams to infuse their rosters with new, young talent. It serves as the premier pathway for elite collegiate softball talent to enter the professional ranks.

Designed to connect directly with the sport’s expansive national fanbase, the draft creates a clear transition for graduating seniors while elevating each athlete’s personal brand on a national stage.

The 2026 AUSL College Draft will air on May 4 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

AUSL COLLEGE DRAFT PROCESS

The AUSL College Draft is an invitation-based process that identifies top collegiate seniors, confirms their readiness to turn professional, and introduces them to fans. The process prioritizes transparency with NCAA programs, strong general manager involvement, and a best-in-class athlete experience.

1: General Managers scout and evaluate players.

2: AUSL conducts university outreach for player interest, eligibility, and compliance checks.

3: A private draft is held, where GMs make their selections.

4: Selected athletes receive a Golden Ticket, officially notifying them of their draft status.

5: The AUSL Draft Show reveals team selections and draft order, airing May 4, 2026, on ESPN2.

Transition to Pro

Drafted athletes must complete their college eligibility before signing. After their NCAA season concludes and they sign with an AUSL team, they will transition from college competition to the professional level within a matter of days.

WHAT IS AN AUSL GOLDEN TICKET?

The Golden Tickets strengthen ties with the college softball audience and build immediate visibility for both players and the league:

– AUSL sends softball legends, ambassadors, Commissioner Kim Ng, and notable figures to deliver Golden Tickets.

– Tickets are presented in front of teammates, coaches, family, and fans—creating emotional, high-impact moments

– These moments are captured and shared across social platforms, accelerating athlete brand growth

The Golden Ticket serves as a bridge between the college and professional game, celebrating each athlete’s journey while engaging the communities that have supported them. Team selections remain confidential until the draft show.

AUSL COLLEGE DRAFT RULES

Draft Order

In 2026, each team was required to select at least two college draft picks, creating a minimum of two rounds.

The Carolina Blaze, who finished in last place in the 2025 season, will have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 AUSL College Draft. The Texas Volts will pick second.

The Oklahoma City Spark and Portland Cascade — the league’s two newest teams — will draft in the middle of the order and alternate who picks first each round.

The Chicago Bandits and Utah Talons will round out each round.

Here is the selection order of the first two rounds of the 2026 AUSL College Draft:

Round 1, Pick 1: Carolina Blaze
Round 1, Pick 2: Texas Volts
Round 1, Pick 3: Oklahoma City Spark
Round 1, Pick 4: Portland Cascade
Round 1, Pick 5: Chicago Bandits
Round 1, Pick 6: Utah Talons

Round 2, Pick 1: Carolina Blaze
Round 2, Pick 2: Texas Volts
Round 2, Pick 3: Portland Cascade
Round 2, Pick 4: Oklahoma City Spark
Round 2, Pick 5: Chicago Bandits
Round 2, Pick 6: Utah Talons

Each team is finished when its GM passes at his/her turn in the order. Selection concludes once all 6 teams have passed.

Compensation Pick

Round 1, Picks 1-3: For any player that has been selected in the first three picks overall and does not sign a contract with AUSL for that season, the drafting team shall receive a compensation pick in the next year’s draft equal to three selections later than where the non-signing player was drafted.

For example, if the 2nd overall selection does not sign, the drafting team would be given the 5th overall selection in the next year’s draft

Round 1, Picks 4-6: For overall picks 4 through 6 that do not sign, the drafting team shall receive a supplemental pick at the end of the 1st round in the next year’s draft.

Rounds 2+: For players selected in Round 2 or later that do not sign, the drafting team shall receive a supplemental pick at the end of that particular round in the next year’s draft.

Team Exclusivity of Selected Players

If a player chooses not to sign for their drafted season, the player’s drafting team retains exclusive rights to that player for a period of time. This helps maintain competitive balance across the league.