The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced six host cities and venues for its second season in 2026 as it transitions to a fully city-based league.
Per the Athletic, AUSL commissioner Kim Ng said the search for the league’s locations looked at areas with strong existing softball foundations, engaged fans and top-notch soccer facilities.
The announcement comes after a season in which the league’s four teams spent half the season at a shared location in Rosemont, Ill., before touring the country for the second half of the season to gauge interest.
“I know there was a lot of competition for which cities to pick, but I really think that we nailed it,” said Utah Talons infielder Hannah Flippen. “They’re all so special in their own ways, and they all showed up for pro softball this summer. It’s going to be so special.”
Oklahoma City was previously announced as a selection and will play as the Spark at Oklahoma Christian University’s Tom Heath Field.
The Chicago Bandits will play at The Stadium at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill., the common site where the first half of last season was played.
“We were watching the crowd build while we were getting ready for our pregame ceremony, and at one point, I just looked into the stands and saw the place was packed,” Ng said, per The Athletic. “The Chicago Bandits have a historic meaning and are symbolic for many softball fans across the country, so it was very much a solidifying moment that that was going to be a place.”
The Carolina Blaze will play at Duke University Softball Stadium in Durham, N.C.
The Portland Cascade will play at Hillsboro Park outside Portland, Ore.
The Texas Volts will play at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas.
The Utah Talons will play at Dumke Family Stadium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
The six teams begin a 25-game regular season schedule on June 9.
–Field Level Media
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