The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is set to revolutionize professional women’s softball in the United States. Launching its inaugural season in June 2025, the league features four teams: the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts, competing in a 24-game season across 10 major U.S. cities. The season will culminate in a best-of-three championship series.
AUSL distinguishes itself with a traditional team-based format, a shift from Athletes Unlimited’s previous player-centric model. The league has garnered significant backing, including a major investment from Major League Baseball (MLB), marking MLB’s first-ever financial support of a professional softball league.
Teams and Structure
Each of the four teams — Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — will play 24 games between June 7 and July 23, 2025. The season will conclude with the top two teams competing in the AUSL Championship, a best-of-three series scheduled for July 26 to 28 at the University of Alabama’s Rhoads Stadium.
Spotlight on Local Stars
Sydney McKinney
Wichita State University (WSU) standout Sydney McKinney brings local pride to the AUSL as a member of the Bandits. McKinney, an infielder, was the first overall pick in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited College Softball Draft. During her tenure at WSU, she earned numerous accolades including consensus First Team All-American honors and set multiple school records for batting average, hits, and on-base percentage. She quickly became a fan favorite in Wichita and is now taking her talent to the national stage.
Kelsey Stewart-Hunter
Maize native and Olympic silver medalist Kelsey Stewart-Hunter joins the Volts for AUSL’s debut season. A former University of Florida standout, Stewart-Hunter was named SEC Player of the Year in 2015 and represented Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her return to Wichita brings excitement to the hometown crowd, especially as she continues to inspire both on and off the field. As a pro athlete and mother, she represents a powerful story of dedication and local roots.
Wichita Game Schedule
Wilkins Stadium at Wichita State University will host a full slate of AUSL action in June 2025. Here’s the current schedule:
- Saturday, June 7 at 6:30pm – Volts vs Blaze
- Sunday, June 8 at 4:00pm – Volts vs Blaze
- Monday, June 9 at 6:00pm – Volts vs Blaze
- Tuesday, June 17 – Blaze vs Bandits
- Wednesday, June 18 – Talons vs Bandits
- Friday, June 20 through Monday, June 23 – Multiple games including Blaze vs Bandits
These games offer a rare opportunity for Wichita fans to see professional-level softball in their own backyard and cheer on hometown heroes like McKinney and Stewart-Hunter.
Broadcast and Viewing Options
All AUSL games will be nationally broadcast through a partnership with MLB Network, MLB.com, ESPN platforms, and various regional sports networks. Whether you’re in the stadium or watching from your living room, fans will have ample opportunity to follow every pitch and every play.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a landmark moment for professional women’s sports and especially for softball fans. Wichita has a front-row seat to this exciting debut and a chance to witness history being made. With local stars leading the way and Wilkins Stadium hosting key matchups, this is more than just a game — it’s a movement.
For more details and tickets, visit theausl.com.
