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 this year. 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.
Read More: Athletes Unlimited Softball Highest Paid Players 2025
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 2024 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.
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.
💰 Athletes Unlimited Softball Salary: How Players Earn
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.
AU Softball operates on a performance-based pay system, where athletes accumulate points for individual and team success. The total salary pool is $1 million, distributed among players based on:
- Individual Performance (60%) – Stats like home runs, strikeouts, and defensive plays.
- Team Wins (40%) – Bonus points for contributing to victories.
- MVP Voting (Bonus) – Players and media vote for top performers, adding extra earnings.
Highest-Paid AU Softball Players
While exact figures vary yearly, these players consistently rank among the top earners:
- Sashel Palacios (Catcher) – Power hitter with clutch performances.
- Jocelyn Alo (Slugger) – NCAA home run queen dominating AU.
- Rachel Garcia (Pitcher/Utility) – Two-way star with unmatched versatility.
- Alyssa Denham (Pitcher) – Strikeout leader with elite control.
- Amanda Chidester (Veteran Leader) – Consistent performer and fan favorite.
🔍 Did You Know? The top point-earner can make $35,000+ per season, while rookies start around $8,000-$10,000.
🌟 Rising Stars to Watch
AU Softball is a breeding ground for future Olympians and pro legends. Keep an eye on:
- Baylee Klingler (INF) – Explosive hitter with a bright future.
- Danielle Gibson (Utility) – Versatile and clutch under pressure.
- Megan Faraimo (Pitcher) – Dominant in the circle with a rising rep.
📅 Athletes Unlimited Softball 2024 Schedule
Mark Your Calendars: The Upcoming Schedule (2025 Season)
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is in its inaugural 2025 season, operating as a “touring property” before becoming city-based in 2026. This means games are played in various cities across the U.S. The 2025 season runs from June 7 to July 23, culminating in a championship series.
Key locations for the 2025 season include:
- Rosemont, Illinois
- Wichita, Kansas
- Sulphur, Louisiana
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Round Rock, Texas
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Championship Series)
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Greenville, North Carolina
The season features four teams – the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts – each playing 24 games. The top two teams at the end of the regular season will compete in a best-of-three championship series from July 26-28 at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Games are broadcast across various platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, MLB Network, MLB.com, MLB.TV, and the MLB App, ensuring widespread accessibility for fans.
📌 Where to Watch? Games air on ESPN Networks & Fox Sports.
📜 AU Softball Rules: What Makes It Unique?
- No Fixed Teams – Rosters change weekly based on player drafts.
- Point System – Players earn points for stats, wins, and MVP votes.
- Shortened Games – 5 innings (mercy rule applies).
- Gold Ball Bonus – A special ball in extra innings worth 2x points.
❓ 10 Most Asked FAQs About Athletes Unlimited Softball
1. How do AU Softball salaries compare to the WPF and NCAA?
AU pays more than most pro leagues, with top players earning $30K-$50K in a 5-week season, while WPF salaries average $5K-$20K.
2. Can college players join AU Softball?
Yes! Once their NCAA eligibility ends, stars like Jocelyn Alo transition directly to AU.
3. Who decides team rosters?
The top four point leaders each week act as captains and draft new teams.
4. Are there playoffs in AU Softball?
No—the player with the most points after 30 games is crowned champion.
5. How are MVPs chosen?
Players and media vote weekly, with bonus earnings for winners.
6. Where is AU Softball played?
All games are in Rosemont, Illinois (The Ballpark at Rosemont).
7. Can fans attend games?
Yes! Tickets start at $15, with VIP experiences available.
8. Will AU Softball expand to more cities?
Not yet—the league focuses on a single-site model for now.
9. How does AU support gender equality in sports?
By offering equal pay opportunities and a player-driven model.
10. Who owns Athletes Unlimited?
he league is player-owned, with no traditional team owners.