The Athletes Unlimited Softball League has wrapped up its second regular season, and is heading into postseason play. Fans from all over are vocal about the want for more pro softball. The 25 game regular season schedule goes by way too fast. However, expanding the season has its hurdles to jump over.
Texas Volts general manager Cat Osterman knows about the pro experience. She played in previous entities. She also sees the great things that the AUSL is doing to sustain this league. When I asked about the future of the league, she started with what already sets the AUSL apart. That is every team operating on equal footing.
“Having been in pro, the pro entity before, I think the biggest thing is we have consistency and continuity in all six teams,” Osterman said. “Everyone gets the same situations.”
She sees expansion coming eventually, but she was clear that it has to be can’t be rushed. These things have to be thought out carefully and must make sense in all areas.
“I think all of us at some point would like to see it to eight to 10 teams,” Osterman said. “I also know growth can’t happen overnight, so we probably have to stay at six for a little bit.”
More teams would almost certainly mean a longer season. Osterman pointed to a known catch. Many athletes and coaches in the league coach in college. Which limits how much spring training and schedule the league can add. She would also like to find a way for players to train with those involved with the league in the offseason.
Osterman also knows that fans are ready for more, and that the current window ends just as some get invested. In my opinion, 15 more games at least would be great.
“They’re truly bought in and then they’re like, ‘Oh wait, there’s only like five, six games left,'” Osterman said.
Osterman spoke more in her answer to my question. You can watch the clip below to hear everything she had to say about where she hopes the AUSL goes next.
