AUSL Unveils Six Host Cities for 2026: League Transitions to City-Based Format
Breaking Down the AUSL’s 2026 Host City Announcement
This is the news you all have been waiting for. Today, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced the six host cities ahead of the 2026 season. I must admit, I pretty much had this called with the exception of a couple. There will be no Tuscaloosa Talons, as Maren Angus-Coombs of Softball On SI broke yesterday after her conversation with Visit Tuscaloosa.
Also, there will be no Seattle Cascade. I know most of us thought that would be the case. Seattle was such a great host last summer, and fans seemed to enjoy it as they did everywhere the AUSL made a stop. So, having said all of that, let’s get to the announcement.
The AUSL not only looked at ticket sales and popularity in cities played last summer, but there were other factors that went into this as well. Below is part of Athletes Unlimited’s statement today:
“The announcement cements AUSL’s transition to a fully city-based league and reflects the widespread resonance of softball across the United States. In addition, AUSL’s national reach allows the league to authentically connect with fans across diverse regions and communities. Collectively, these markets significantly over-index in Millennial and Gen Z populations, women-led and college-educated households, and youth sports participation – all audiences that are shaping the future of professional women’s sports fandom.
After evaluating numerous potential markets against a comprehensive set of criteria, each AUSL host city was ultimately selected for its authentic connection to softball, demonstrated support for women’s sports, access to professional-caliber facilities, and ability to serve as a long-term home for professional teams. Together, these markets reflect the nationwide resonance of softball and AUSL’s commitment to building a league rooted in community, culture, and competitive excellence.”
So, now that you have read on some reasons behind these decisions, let’s get to the cities.
Carolina Blaze – Durham, North Carolina
The Carolina Blaze will call Durham, North Carolina, home and play their home games at Smith Family Stadium, home of the Duke Blue Devils. This will go over well with the home crowd, as both Ana Gold and Jala Wright, former Blue Devils, will suit up for the Blaze. Who knows, after the college draft, maybe the Blaze will have another Duke player on the roster.
Chicago Bandits – Rosemont, Illinois
This one is a no-brainer, the Chicago Bandits. The Bandits will keep their home right there at The Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. This has deep ties and roots to the softball community in Chicago, as the Bandits of the old NPF played in the same stadium before the league disbanded.
Oklahoma City Spark – Edmond, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma City Spark, one of two expansion teams to the AUSL, will continue play at Tom Heath Field at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma. This was the Spark’s home last summer and fit them very well. Before then, the Spark used the legendary Hall of Fame Stadium, now known as Devon Park.
Portland Cascade – Hillsboro, Oregon
The Cascade will call the Portland, Oregon, area home. Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro, Oregon, will serve as the home field for the Portland Cascade. This was a team that I predicted to be in Seattle, but that did not happen. The Portland Cascade gives the Pacific Northwest a team and gives the AUSL a footprint in every section of this country.
“The city offers a community that embraces innovation, inclusion, and high-level competition—making it a natural fit for AUSL and its athletes,” stated the AUSL. With Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki, that also brings the fan connection to the Cascade.
Texas Volts – Round Rock, Texas
The Texas Volts will set up home at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas. This was the most attended stop last summer, as the AUSL set records when the Volts and Bandits played their series in front of record crowds.
The Volts also have several Texas ties, and the fan support there is strong. GM Cat Osterman, Head Coach Ricci Woodard, and Mia Scott are all legends in the state of Texas. This, in my opinion, is one of the no-brainer decisions for an AUSL placement.
Utah Talons – Salt Lake City, Utah
The Talons, as mentioned in the beginning, will not call Tuscaloosa home, but Salt Lake City, Utah, is that place. Dumke Family Stadium at the University of Utah is where the Utah Talons will play their home games.
Salt Lake City has emerged as a dynamic sports market with a strong youth softball foundation and growing enthusiasm for women’s professional sports. Following sellout crowds during last season’s series, the Talons return as the reigning AUSL Champions.
“These host cities represent the next major chapter of the AUSL’s growth,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “We are building on the momentum of a historic inaugural season by establishing franchises in markets with strong softball traditions, proven fan engagement, and the infrastructure to support a world-class professional experience. This is about creating lasting connections between our athletes, our teams, and the communities they represent, and setting up the sport of softball for long-term success at the professional level.”
Season Opener Details
The AUSL regular season will start June 9, and all six AUSL teams will be on display. The Utah Talons will host the Chicago Bandits, the Carolina Blaze will host the Portland Cascade, and the Oklahoma City Spark will host the Texas Volts. For the full schedule, visit www.theAUSL.com.
