Record viewership, sold-out venues, and surging athlete interest fuel expansion into Austin and Portland.

The Unlimited Athletes Softball League (UASL) is officially entering expansion mode. Following a debut season that shattered expectations and brought unprecedented attention to professional women’s softball, the league announced today the addition of two new franchises set to join the competition next year.

The expansion marks the UASL’s biggest step since launch, signaling both momentum and confidence in the league’s long-term vision: creating a sustainable, athlete-centered home for elite fastpitch softball.

A Breakout First Season Sets the Stage

The expansion comes on the heels of a remarkably successful inaugural season—one that exceeded projections across nearly every metric and validated the league’s bold mission.

In its debut year, the UASL saw:

Record-breaking digital viewership, with livestream audiences growing week-over-week
Sold-out venues in softball heartlands such as Houston, Nashville, and Phoenix
Viral social growth, fueled by game-winning highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and athlete-led storytelling
Strong sponsor partnerships, stabilizing the league’s financial foundation
A player waitlist of more than 200 athletes, showcasing the demand for competitive opportunities

“This league launched with belief and momentum, but the fans made it real,” said UASL Commissioner Elena Marcos. “We knew softball needed a bigger stage—and the response proved it. This expansion is a direct result of that passion.”

Originally targeted for 2027, expansion planning was fast-tracked by nearly two years due to overwhelming athletic, fan, and sponsor support.

Introducing the Two New Franchises

While full branding and team names will be revealed later this month, league officials confirmed the new teams will be based in:

Austin, Texas

A powerhouse region for fastpitch talent and one of the country’s fastest-growing sports cities.

Portland, Oregon

A market known for its passionate support of women’s sports and strong community engagement.

Both clubs will begin player evaluations and front-office hiring in early spring, with training camps expected to open by midsummer.

Athletes React: “This Means Everything”

Players across the league celebrated the announcement, describing it as a defining moment for the sport.

“This means everything for softball,” said veteran pitcher Janelle Hart, who competed in the UASL’s inaugural season. “More teams means more opportunities, more competition, and more visibility. We’re watching the sport grow in real time.”

Others echoed her sentiment on social media, calling the expansion “historic,” “the future,” and “a huge win for women in sports.”

What Fans Can Expect Next Season

With the two new additions, the upcoming UASL season will feature:

A 10-team league structure
More nationally televised and streamed games
New regional rivalries, especially between Austin and the established Houston franchise
Expanded fan experiences, including youth clinics, team events, and enhanced digital coverage
A potential update to the postseason format, aimed at heightening drama and competition

League leadership says these changes will bring “the deepest, most competitive season yet.”

A Future Built on Momentum

As softball continues to rise in popularity across the United States—powered by massive college followings, Olympic visibility, and a rapidly growing community—the UASL is positioning itself as the premier destination for the sport’s top talent.

“This isn’t the last expansion,” Commissioner Marcos added. “This is just the beginning.”