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Hokie4Life_89 OP
Dec 12, 2025 at 10:46 AM ET
Pro Softball
I’m betting on the AUSL, but a collection of formerly independent pro teams, including the team coached by Dr Dot last season, and which Emma Ritter played on, are organizing together as the PSL. Ultimately, I think that only one pro league can survive, but in the meantime it is good to see better organization among these teams. I saw several of these teams play as independents last summer and the talent level was VERY HIGH. It was secondary to the AUSL only in promotion and organization, not in the on-field product.

6 Replies

MidloHokie MidloHokie
7mo
The key for the AUSL is its association with MLB. Much like the . .
. . . 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.
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Hockeydad
7mo
I think the AUSL is going to permanent homes for teams
I think Chip said they were announcing the cities in January
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HokieAvalanche
7mo
Good! Thanks for posting.
There are too many talented players that need a place to play professionlly in our Country. Hate seeing them having to go out of Country to play professionally. The AUSL can only handle so many as it slowly builds. Possible opportunity for Bre and Cori.
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Hokie4Life_89 OP
7mo
Cori in Mexico
I think Cori’s decision to play south of the border is a “wants to” not a “has to” choice. She was talking about it in close circles long before the AUSL draft. That said, yes, more pro teams here in the states is a good thing, especially if the league grows to a point where pay is reflective of the elite athlete status that is placed on the field.
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HokieAvalanche
7mo
Yeah, the salaries need to vastly improve but so must the ticket sales.
Catch 22 situation. But the sport seems to be gaining in popularity. There's hope.
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Hockeydad
7mo
Can you sell tickets to softball???
That’s crazy talk