Professional softball is drawing more attention, and the AUSL’s 2026 numbers show that growth extended across nearly every area of the league. In his opening statement while reflecting on the 2026 AUSL season, Athletes Unlimited CEO and co-founder Jon Patricof shared that the league recorded 25 sellout crowds, a 183% increase in average regular-season viewership across ESPN platforms, and 732,000 average viewers for Game 1 of the AUSL Championship on ABC. Patricof also reported 453 million social impressions, 137 million social video views, 447,000 new followers and a 110% increase in merchandise sales. He also pointed to expanded support from new and returning sponsors, along with new strategic investments from the Milwaukee Brewers and Ryan Sanders Baseball. The AUSL’s second season provided clear evidence that more people are watching, following and investing in professional softball. #welivesoftball #ausl