Professional women’s softball is getting major visibility: ESPN has extended a multi-year broadcast agreement with Athletes Unlimited, ensuring women’s pro softball remains in the national spotlight through at least 2028.

This is a big step forward for the sport — more games on national TV, more coverage, and more chances for young players to see what’s possible after Little League.

What It Means for Our Players

This growth in media coverage is more than just exciting news — it’s a clear message to every girl in our league: softball is a sport with real opportunities. From college scholarships to televised professional careers, the path is open.

Here’s the Impact for ESSLL:

• Inspiration: Our players can see female athletes competing and thriving at the highest level.
• Visibility: Games on ESPN and ABC show that softball is serious, respected, and growing.
• Opportunity: Parents and players can connect playing locally with long-term potential.
• Motivation: Watching high-level play elevates dedication, effort, and love for the game.

ESPN + Athletes Unlimited: Overview

Here’s what you need to know about the growth of women’s softball at the professional level:

• ESPN and Athletes Unlimited reach 3-year deal on women’s leagues – ESPN becomes the official broadcast partner for multiple women’s pro leagues, including softball.
• Athletes Unlimited: ESPN & AU announce multi-year distribution deal – more than 50 nationally televised games annually, including AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League).
• MLB: AUSL & ESPN announce multiyear rights extension – highlights how this partnership connects the softball pipeline from youth to college to pro.

Coverage will span ESPN+, ESPNU, and ABC, which means more opportunities for families to watch softball together and for players to learn by seeing the game played at the highest level.

Tip for Parents & Players

Try watching a game together this season! Use it as a fun learning moment:

• Pause and talk about how players communicate on the field.
• Watch how infielders and outfielders move before each pitch.
• Notice how pitchers and catchers work together on pitch calling and framing.
• Look for how athletes reset after mistakes and handle pressure.

Watching softball with “coach eyes” can help players understand positioning, timing, and mental toughness in a way that’s hard to replicate in a single practice.

Learn More & Future Updates

As the Athletes Unlimited Softball League grows and more coverage becomes available, we’ll continue to share big softball stories here so families can stay connected to the sport beyond our local fields.

We encourage families to:

• Follow Athletes Unlimited and AUSL on social media.
• Keep an eye on ESPN and ESPN+ for upcoming softball game schedules.
• Share favorite plays and players with your ESSLL team — let the girls talk about what they’re seeing!

League Contact & Mailing Address

East Stroudsburg Softball Little League
PO Box 130
Marshalls Creek, PA 18335

General questions: [email protected]