Softball | The GIST

Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins first city-based season

Missing softball following last week’s epic Women’s College World Series (WCWS)? You’re in luck. Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) begins its second season tomorrow, boasting more teams, more games, and more ways to watch than ever before. Going, going, gone.

June 08, 2026

Texas softball repeats as NCAA champions

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The first-ever Women’s College World Series championship series rematch ended in familiar fashion, with reigning champs No. 2 Texas defending their crown by defeating last year’s runners-up, No. 11 Texas Tech 4–1 last night.

June 05, 2026

Previewing the 64-team NCAA softball tournament

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The 64-team NCAA softball national championship tournament swings into action today with 16 double-elimination Regionals on deck. It’s all part of a massive moment for the sport before the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) season begins next month. Batter up, baby.

May 15, 2026

Previewing the inaugural best-of-three Athletes Unlimited Softball League championship

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One historic inaugural regular season full of groundbreaking deals, record attendance, and truly beautiful partnerships later, the Talons and Bandits will face off in the first-ever Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) championship series, hosted at famed Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, beginning tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET.

July 25, 2025

Sephora teams up with AUSL in latest beauty-related women’s sports sponsorship

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Today, Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced that Sephora will become its exclusive beauty partner and presenting sponsor of its AUSL Championship series, which airs on ESPN this weekend. While Sephora isn’t the first beauty brand to join the women’s game, it’s gaining ground and further cementing its status as the beauty industry’s top dog.

July 21, 2025

Women’s College World Series reaches winner-take-all Game 3 as AUSL prepares for launch

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Not done yet. No. 12 seed Texas Tech softball beat No. 6 seed Texas 4–3 in last night’s Women’s College World Series (WCWS) final Game 2, forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

June 06, 2025

Texas and Texas Tech to meet in Women’s College World Series final

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And then there were two. The best-of-three Women’s College World Series (WCWS) championship series begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET, featuring last year’s runner-up, No. 6 seed Texas, vs. No. 12 Texas Tech, fresh off a stunning upset of the sport’s greatest dynasty. Let’s tee it up.

June 04, 2025

MLB investment in AUSL signals a new era in relations between men’s and women’s sports

Sports Business

MLB investment in AUSL signals a new era in relations between men’s and women’s sports

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May 30, 2025

Yesterday, MLB announced a sizable strategic investment in Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), which hits off its inaugural season next week. It’s a major move to see MLB backing AUSL off the bat and represents a shift in how established men’s sports leagues are approaching startup women’s leagues.

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The GIST of It Podcast

Ep #566

Azzi Fudd chose Project B over Unrivaled — but why?

June 23, 2026

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Azzi Fudd chose Project B over Unrivaled — but why?

Azzi Fudd is packing her passport, electing to join Project B, the new 5-on-5 offseason league that will make its grand debut in December. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz examine the current pro player landscape, now stuffed with options galore for women hoopers. One thing is clear: With an abundance of choices, this player empowerment era is here to stay.