. . . WNBA and the NBA it's likely going to be necessary that pro softball be subsidized for while (if not permanently) to create a sustainable product that can actually make it a viable 'profession' for the players. The only place this occurs today is in Japan (see JMU's JJ Ford ten-year career there). The next step for AUSL will be to drop the barnstorming approach and 'graduate' to permanent regional franchises. I'm not sure a new league is helpful as it dilutes the product.