Athletes Unlimited, a new women’s softball professional league, was launched in USA with an innovative format of play centered on the athletes, not the teams. Some of the best softball players in the world will participate in the inaugural Athletes Unlimited campaign, set to begin on 30 August.
Highlighted by softball stars Cat Osterman, Haylie McCleney, Ali Aguilar, Amanda Chidester, Sara Groenewegen and Victoria Hayward, a total of 56 players will be part of the 2020 season. At least 33 of them have had international experience in WBSC competitions, representing the national teams of USA, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain and Italy. Some of them are expected to be part of their respective Olympic rosters next year in Tokyo 2020.
The league’s inaugural season will be held entirely at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. The season will consist of three games each week for all four of the league’s teams, with the rosters being re-drafted by the highest performing players every week.
During the games, players will get points for “winning” each inning, and also for each of their individual statistics – 10 points for a single, for example, and 20 for a double. When games are over, three MVPs will be chosen and awarded points. At the end of the season, the player with the most points will be crowned as individual champion.
CBS Sports Network and ESPN to broadcast all 30 games
Athletes Unlimited inked a deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN to broadcast all 30 games of the opening season. As the lead broadcast television partner CBS Sports Network will televise seven games in the United States and Canada; while ESPN will distribute 23 games across its platforms in the US, Latin America and Canada, via its partner TSN.
“Having all 30 games available to our fans with enhanced technology is an amazing opportunity to showcase our talents and increase awareness for professional softball around the world,” said Osterman, USA National Team member and Athletes Unlimited player.
