The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is set to transition to a permanent city‑based structure for its teams during the 2026 season, having competed as a touring league since its inception in 2025. Major League Baseball’s strategic investment in the AUSL supports this move toward establishing a sustainable professional women’s softball league. The league will expand from four to six teams and continue its 30‑game regular season followed by a postseason championship. The development represents a significant advancement for softball in the United States and offers broader context for clubs such as Cronin Athletics in the women’s softball landscape.