Athletes Unlimited Softball Salary, Schedule, Rules & More Info

If you are a fan of softball, you might have heard of Athletes Unlimited, a new and innovative league that aims to revolutionize the sport. Athletes Unlimited is a pro sports organization that features women’s softball and lacrosse, as well as men’s volleyball. The league operates on a unique model that empowers athletes to be the owners, stakeholders, and decision-makers of their own careers.

In this article, we will focus on Athletes Unlimited Softball, which just wrapped up its second season in 2023. We will cover the basics of how the league works, who are the players, what are the rules, and what is the schedule for the next season. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Athletes Unlimited Softball.

How Do Athletes Unlimited Softball Work?

Athletes Unlimited Softball is a league that features 42 players who compete in 18 games over five weeks. The players are divided into four teams every week, based on a draft that is conducted by the top four players in the leaderboard. The leaderboard is determined by a point system that rewards individual and team performance.

The point system is as follows:

• Individual points: Players earn or lose points based on their batting, pitching, and fielding statistics. For example, a player earns 10 points for a single, 20 points for a double, 30 points for a triple, and 40 points for a home run. A player also earns 4 points for every out recorded as a pitcher, and loses 10 points for every run allowed. A player also earns or loses points based on their fielding percentage.
• Team points: Players earn or lose points based on the outcome of each inning and each game. For example, a player earns or loses 10 points for every run their team scores or allows in an inning. A player also earns or loses 50 points for winning or losing a game.
• MVP points: Players earn bonus points based on fan and player voting. After each game, fans can vote for their favorite player on the Athletes Unlimited app or website. The top three players with the most fan votes earn 60, 40, and 20 points respectively. Additionally, after each game, the players on each team vote for their MVP. The top three players with the most player votes earn 100, 60, and 40 points respectively.

The player with the most points at the end of the season is crowned as the Athletes Unlimited Softball Champion. The champion also receives a $25,000 bonus from a total prize pool of $1 million.

Athletes unlimited softball salary

Athletes Unlimited is a new professional softball league that started in 2020. It has a different format than the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league, which is the oldest and longest-running professional softball league in the US. In Athletes Unlimited, players earn points based on their individual and team performance, and the points determine their pay and ranking. The league also has no fixed teams, as the top four players in the leaderboard become captains and draft new teams every week.

Players in Athletes Unlimited make a base salary of $10,000 for a six-week season and can earn up to $25,000 more based on individual achievements. The league also provides health insurance, travel expenses, and housing for the players. The total prize money for the league is $1 million.

In comparison, players in the NPF make between $3,000 and $10,000 for a season that lasts from May to August. The NPF also has a salary cap of $175,000 per team and a minimum salary of $3,000 per player. The NPF does not provide health insurance or housing for the players, but covers some travel expenses.

Read More: Athletes Unlimited Softball Highest Paid Players 2023

Who Are the Players in Athletes Unlimited Softball?

Athletes Unlimited Softball features some of the best softball players in the world, including Olympians, national team members, college stars, and professional veterans. The league also provides opportunities for young and emerging talents to showcase their skills and learn from the best.

Some of the notable players who participated in the 2023 season are:

• Rachel Garcia: The reigning Athletes Unlimited Softball Champion and UCLA legend who led Team USA to a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
• Haylie McCleney: The Team USA outfielder who was named the MVP of the Tokyo Olympics after hitting .529 with a .692 on-base percentage.
• Odicci Alexander: The James Madison University sensation who became a viral star after leading her team to an upset win over Oklahoma in the Women’s College World Series.
• Amanda Chidester: The Team USA catcher who hit two clutch home runs against Australia and Japan in the Tokyo Olympics.
• Victoria Hayward: The Team Canada outfielder who helped her team win its first ever Olympic medal in softball.
• Danielle O’Toole: The inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball Champion and Team Mexico pitcher who threw a perfect game in the league’s first season.
• Jazmyn Jackson: The Team USA utility player who hit .500 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the league’s second season.
• Tori Vidales: The former Texas A&M slugger who led the league in home runs (7) and RBIs (24) in the second season.

You can find the full roster of players for the 2023 season here.

What Are the Rules of Athletes Unlimited Softball?

Athletes Unlimited Softball follows most of the standard rules of softball, with some modifications to enhance the game play and fan experience. Some of the key rule differences are:

• Games are seven innings long, unless tied. If tied after seven innings, extra innings are played with international tie-breaker rules (a runner starts on second base).
• Games can end in a tie after nine innings if both teams have scored an equal number of runs.
• Teams switch sides after five runs are scored or three outs are made in an inning, whichever comes first.
• There is no limit on how many pitchers can be used in a game.
• There is a 20-second pitch clock for pitchers to deliver the ball.

There is a designated player (DP) and a flex player (FLEX) in the lineup, similar to college softball. The DP can hit for any player in the lineup, while the FLEX can play defense for the DP. The DP and the FLEX can switch positions at any time during the game.

There is a mercy rule that ends the game if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs after five innings or 15 or more runs after four innings.

What Is the Schedule for Athletes Unlimited Softball?

Athletes Unlimited Softball typically runs from late August to late September, with games played on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. The games are broadcasted on various platforms, including ESPN, CBS Sports Network, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch.

The schedule for the 2023 season was as follows:

• Week 1: August 9-12 at ECU Softball Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina
• Week 2: August 16-19 at ECU Softball Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina
• Week 3: August 23-26 at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois
• Week 4: August 30-September 2 at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois
• Week 5: September 6-9 at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois

You can find the full schedule and results for the 2023 season here.

Conclusion

Athletes Unlimited Softball is a league that offers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy the sport of softball. With its innovative format, competitive point system, and diverse roster of players, the league provides a high level of entertainment and empowerment for fans and athletes alike. If you are looking for a new and fun way to watch softball, you should definitely check out Athletes Unlimited Softball.

Most Asked Questions and Answers About Athletes Unlimited Softball

How can I watch Athletes Unlimited Softball games?
You can watch Athletes Unlimited Softball games on various platforms, including ESPN, CBS Sports Network, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. You can also stream the games on the Athletes Unlimited app or website.

How can I vote for my favorite players in Athletes Unlimited Softball?
You can vote for your favorite players in Athletes Unlimited Softball after each game on the Athletes Unlimited app or website. You can also vote by using hashtags on Twitter or Instagram. For example, if you want to vote for Rachel Garcia, you can use #UnlimitedGarcia.

How can I join the Athletes Unlimited fan club?
You can join the Athletes Unlimited fan club by signing up for the Unlimited Club or the Unlimited Club Gold membership. As a member, you can enjoy various benefits such as voting on game MVPs and seasonal awards, accessing exclusive content and events, receiving discounts on merchandise and tickets, and more.

How can I buy Athletes Unlimited merchandise?
You can buy Athletes Unlimited merchandise on the Athletes Unlimited online store. You can find apparel, accessories, collectibles, and more featuring your favorite players and teams.

How can I buy tickets for Athletes Unlimited Softball games?
You can buy tickets for Athletes Unlimited Softball games on the Athletes Unlimited website or through Ticketmaster. You can also contact the ticket concierge service if you are an Unlimited Club Gold member.

How are the captains and teams chosen in Athletes Unlimited Softball?
The captains and teams are chosen based on the leaderboard standings every week. The top four players in the leaderboard become the captains and draft their teams from the remaining players. The draft is streamed live on the Athletes Unlimited app or website every Tuesday night.

How are the points calculated in Athletes Unlimited Softball?
The points are calculated based on individual and team performance, as well as fan and player voting. You can find the detailed breakdown of how points are earned or lost here.

How much do players earn in Athletes Unlimited Softball?
Players earn a base salary of $15,000 for participating in the season, plus bonuses based on their leaderboard ranking. The top 10 players in the leaderboard earn an additional $20,000 to $100,000 each. The total prize pool for the season is $1 million.

How can I follow my favorite players on social media?
You can follow your favorite players on social media by visiting their profiles on the Athletes Unlimited app or website. You can also find their social media handles on their jerseys or helmets during the games.

How can I support Athletes Unlimited’s mission and vision?
You can support Athletes Unlimited’s mission and vision by watching their games, voting for their players, joining their fan club, buying their merchandise, attending their events, and spreading the word about their league. You can also donate to their