Preparing Exclusive Invitations for the Inaugural Draft: Athletes Unlimited Softball League's Initiative
Buckle Up for Softball History: The Athletes Unlimited Draft Bursts onto the Scene
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening, as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) holds its first-ever draft on May 3 at 9 p.m. ET, live on ESPNU. This landmark event will see 12 exceptional athletes stepping up to fill the rosters for the league's four teams, and it's all going down in three rounds, with the order of selection rotating among the teams, starting with the Volts claiming the first pick.
This highly-anticipated draft marks a significant leap forward for professional softball, providing a fresh avenue for college stars to continue their careers at the highest level. The chosen dozen will receive their symbolic "golden ticket," their ticket into the inaugural season of the AUSL starting on June 7. As of now, six players have claimed their golden tickets, including Arizona pitcher/infielder Devyn Netz and Texas A&M pitcher Emiley Kennedy, who recently joined the exclusive club.
The AUSL's arrival is part of a larger push to elevate professional softball. Recenty, Kim Ng, former Miami Marlins general manager, was appointed as the league's new Commissioner, bringing a wealth of expertise to the role. Ng, who made history as the first female GM in Major League Baseball, is well-equipped to guide the league through the unique challenges of professional sports, especially in the underrepresented realm of women's softball.
Exciting Times Ahead for Softball
Ng's appointment comes close on the heels of MLB's announcement to invest in professional softball. However, the specifics of this investment remain undisclosed. The league's involvement is expected to bring much-needed funding and credibility, as the AUSL has struggled to sustain growth beyond the college and U.S. National Team levels. With Ng's leadership and MLB's potential backing, the future appears bright for the league.
The AUSL's first season will feature four teams battling it out over a 24-game schedule across 10 U.S. cities. The season will culminate in a best-of-three playoff series held at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the University of Alabama's softball team. Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy is confident of the league's prosperity, citing the passionate softball community in the U.S. and the increasing buzz surrounding the sport as we approach the 2028 Olympics.
One player to keep an eye on during the draft is Devyn Netz, a versatile powerhouse from the University of Arizona. After leading her team to a doubleheader sweep over New Mexico State, Netz secured her place in the AUSL. In the opening game, she snagged a win with four shutout innings of relief, while in the second game, she went 3-for-3 with a homerun, contributing to Arizona's 13-0 victory.
"I'm genuinely thrilled about this moment, as I've worked tirelessly for it my whole life," Netz said about her achievement. With 18 wins and 16 home runs this season, Netz is one of the most dynamic performers in college softball. Securing a spot in the AUSL signifies the beginning of a new chapter in her softball journey as she prepares to make waves on the professional circuit.
The draft signifies the starting point for a new league and a brighter future for professional softball, with strong leadership, increased investment, and gifted athletes like Netz primed to make an impact in the world of women's sports.
- The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) draft, scheduled for May 3, will see 12 exceptional athletes receiving their "golden ticket" into the league's inaugural season in 2026.
- As rumors swirl about Major League Baseball's investment in professional softball, the AUSL's Commissioner, Kim Ng, brings her expertise from being the first female GM in Major League Baseball to guide the league through its unique challenges.
- The softball championship, AUSL's first season, will feature 4 teams drafted during the May 3 event, with the best-of-three playoff series held at Rhoads Stadium, Alabama, in 2026.
- Prior to the AUSL draft, Devyn Netz, a versatile athlete from the University of Arizona, impressed with a doubleheader sweep over New Mexico State, securing her spot in the 2026 championship with her 18 wins and 16 home runs this season.
- In anticipation of the 2028 Olympics, Alabama softball coach Patrick Murphy is confident in the league's prosperity, citing the passionate softball community in the U.S. and the increasing buzz surrounding the sport.
