Athletes Unlimited Launches Groundbreaking Softball Card Collection

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League has launched its first official set of trading cards, featuring standout rookies Bri Ellis, Sam Landry, and Sierra Sacco.

Retailing at $8.99 per card, this inaugural collection includes unique variations, some of which are autographed by the players. Enthusiasts have until Saturday, June 14, at 4:30 p.m. ET to secure these collectibles.

This move follows Major League Baseball’s announcement of a partnership with Athletes Unlimited, a pivotal development for professional women’s sports. This collaboration aims to enhance marketing efforts during significant MLB events like the All-Star Game and postseason games, further elevating visibility for the AUSL and its athletes.

The selection of Ellis, Landry, and Sacco as featured players is notable. Ellis has drawn comparisons to baseball legend Barry Bonds, while Sacco celebrated the league’s first-ever home run. Landry distinguished herself as the No. 1 overall pick in the inaugural AUSL draft, highlighting their prominence in the sport.

Additionally, the trading card set includes special parallel cards featuring Jessica Mendoza, Jennie Finch, and Natasha Watley, accompanied by Kim Ng, MLB’s senior vice president and former Miami Marlins general manager.

The AUSL commenced its four-team league on June 7. The Bandits and Talons kicked off with a three-game series in Rosemont, Illinois, while the Blaze faced the Volts in Wichita, Kansas. Each team will play a total of 24 games across 12 cities, culminating in a best-of-three championship series from July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. An AUSL All-Star Cup is slated for August.

Looking ahead, a city-based league is anticipated to debut in 2026, with an expansion to six teams, according to co-founder Jon Patricof.

MLB has previously invested in various women’s softball and baseball initiatives, including a partnership with USA Softball. However, it is not involved with the forthcoming Women’s Professional Baseball League, the first such league since the historic All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ceased operations in 1954.