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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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reflexes on 10 🤯

an insane heads up play by PSG to force the out at second!
record breaking bomb 💣🎙️
LSU, USA, and now AUSL 🥎 

get to know the Talons’ Head Coach, @dobson1827 🪹 

#AUSL
when she said “her hand” 🥺🫶

(via @aunie22 )
goodbye 2024, see you in 2025 🥹💙
for the second year in a row, the Play of the Year is none other than Air Aliyah ✈️
60 seconds of catchers doing the dang thing 🤪
well if this isn’t the best present ever 🥹🧡

(via @catch.aria.haunting34)
bringing this one back to your feed bc 😳
@jmuff10 is always going to have @kathrynnjeanne’s back 🤝
we loveeee when @sydsyd2 is mic’d up 🤩
the plan was executed to a T 😮‍💨
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 🔥