Following a historic season in terms of growth and popularity, a supermajority of Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) players signed union cards and announced the formation of the AUSL Players Association.

Players asked the league to voluntarily recognize their union and begin CBA negotiations in advance of the 2027 season.

The AUSL completed its second, and most successful, season in 2026. The league reported a 150 percent increase in viewership on ESPN, a 110 percent growth in merchandise sales, 450 million social media impressions and 25 sellouts.

“After an incredibly successful 2026 season, we are thrilled to announce that a supermajority of AUSL players have signed union cards to form the AUSLPA,” the AUSLPA said in a statement.

“This is a landmark next step in the growth of our sport. The AUSL is a top professional league that deserves a fully professional system in which the league and the players’ union come together at the bargaining table to negotiate a fair contract. This model has proven successful time and again in other sports, and it will work well here.”

“We look forward to the AUSL quickly recognizing our union so we can begin negotiations immediately and reach a first CBA well in advance of the 2027 season.”

The AUSL consists of six teams:

• Utah Talons

• Chicago Bandits

• Portland Cascade

• Oklahoma City Spark

• Carolina Blaze

• Texas Volts

The Talons claimed their second consecutive championship in 2026 by sweeping the Bandits. Utah won Game 1 of the series 2-1 and secured the title with a 6-1 victory in Game 2.

Labor relations consulting firm Sports Solidarity LLC and the law firm Altshuler Berzon LLP have been retained by the AUSLPA to facilitate the process.

— Roger McAfee/Line Drive Media correspondent