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Sports world reacts to the launch of the AUSL

Athletes Unlimited announced Tuesday that it will launch a traditional softball league in May 2025.

News of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) broke at a press conference featuring CEO Jon Patricof and Director of Softball Cheri Kempf. The launch caused a flurry of reactions on social media from fans, athletes, and the sports world. Here’s a sampling of the response.

Figures in and beyond women’s sports expressed their excitement.

Other professional women’s leagues shared their support.

Fans noted the player salaries and felt it was competitive compensation for the 30-game season.

League advisory board members Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley – who also spoke at the press conference – especially resonated. All three Olympians have personal experience playing pro softball in the U.S. and abroad and know the need for a viable league.

Fans can watch the press conference here. For more details on the AUSL and league updates, go to AUProSports.com/AUSL.

Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Twitter @savannaecollins.

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ROUND 2 — you voted for these two plays in Round 1 but now you have to choose the ultimate winner 🏆 

McKenzie Clark Diving Double Play 🆚 Air Aliyah Diving Grab 

vote below 👇
grab your sunnies bc the future is bright 🌟

#AUSL
it’s time to vote for the Play of the Year 🗳️ 

Round 1: Air Aliyah Lays Out 🆚 Rachel Garcia with the Reflexes

vote below 👇
it’s time to vote for the Play of the Year 🗳️ 

Round 1: McKenzie Clark Spectacular Defense 🆚 Jocelyn Alo Offensive Explosion 

vote below 👇
love us some @taybeezzyyy 🤪
we’re a size EVERYTHING 😍

#AUSL
nothing quite like that home run feeling ✨

@_jessiwarren_ puts the magical moment into words during this interview with @savvyco 🎙️
ELITE AT THE PLATE 

@amandalorenz and @aubrey_lynne10 led the league this past summer with 19 hits and a .373 avg 🔥
and best believe i’ll do it again
our outties always put in a show in Rosemont 🌹 

@villageofrosemont x @auprosports
get to know the Bandits Head Coach, @nuvey33 👉

#AUSL
all smiles for head coach and gms headshots 🤩

#AUSL
our girl is back 🐝 

excited to announce that @sydneymck00 will be joining the 2025 AUSL squad 

#AUSL
what a crew 🤩

we had so much fun at the AUSL cocktail hour at @nfcaorg. thank you to everyone who stopped by!🍹 

#AUSL
AUSL pass the phone 📲 

annnnnnnnd we won’t be letting Dana skateboard 

#AUSL
love seeing these faces at @nfcaorg 😍
*mic drop* 

#AUSL
yesterday, Kim Ng was the keynote speaker at @nfcaorg 🎙️ 

if we took one thing away from the speech it is that professional softball is in good hands 🙌 

#AUSL
this photo just struck me out 

#AUSL
the AUSL coaches and GMs 😎

#AUSL