BREAKING NEWS: First to Report-
Hillsboro just landed another player in the women’s sports space, and this one will have fans excited. As the Hillsboro Hops exit the former Ron Tonkin Field, now branded as the Hillsboro Ball Park, another will be taking up occupancy! The AUSL League (Professional Softball) has negotiated a deal with the City of Hillsboro that will lock down professional softball in the Tualatin Valley. Named the Portland Cascade to market to the wider PDX market and audience, the team is one of 6 that will take the league into a growth cycle as 2026 unfolds. The teams landed a deal with ESPN, which will bring live viewers from around the world to the City of Hillsboro.
Hillsboro, Oregon, Lands the Portland Cascade – Photo Courtesy of the AUSL- Portland CascadeAssistant City Manager let the Herald know this was happening last Friday, and today the news broke, and we wanted to share this with all of you! Harji has been deeply involved with the Gordon Faber Recreation Center and its changing landscape. The Hillsboro Hops’ new stadium is nearly complete, and the HBP has been returned to the City. This opened the door for the Cascade and another professional women’s sports franchise to locate in the City. The Cascade will compete here for their home games and join the Portland Thorns and the Portland Fire in locating offices and training facilities. This makes Hillsboro sort of a sports mecca in this sector, and Harji and all concerned are very stoked.
Tickets are on sale now, and the league released some information today; see the information below. We congratulate the Cascades and look forward to getting to know the team and players as this inaugural season gets moving! Congrats to all involved and Welcome to Hillsboro!
Portland Cascade – Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest has consistently led the way in supporting women’s sports, and Portland stands as the epicenter of that movement. The city offers a community that embraces innovation, inclusion, and high-level competition—making it a natural fit for AUSL and its athletes.
With a passionate fan base and a strong softball culture, the Cascade will thrive in a region where women’s sports are celebrated year-round. The presence of Pacific Northwest standouts Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki further deepens the connection between the team and its fans.
PRESS RELEASE
Portland Cascade Name Hillsboro Home as Oregon’s Newest Women’s Professional Team
- With Former Pacific Northwest Softball Stars Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki on Roster, Portland Cascade will Play at Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro
- Season Begins June 9; Season and Group Tickets Now On Sale
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) today announced Hillsboro as the home of the Portland Cascade, Oregon’s newest women’s professional sports property. The Cascade will host their games at Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro.
“The Pacific Northwest has consistently shown up for women’s sports, and the Portland area is no exception,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “Hillsboro offers the Cascade a community that embraces innovation, inclusion, and high-level competition, making it a natural fit for our league and our athletes.”
“This is a home run for Hillsboro and women’s sports in the Portland metro area,” said Beach Pace, City of Hillsboro Mayor. “We are very excited for the Hillsboro Ballpark to be the home of the Portland Cascade. Welcome to Hillsboro!”
“Portland has established itself as one of the most dynamic sports markets in the country and a true epicenter for women’s sports,” said Jim Etzel, CEO of Sports Oregon. “Bringing the Portland Cascade to Hillsboro strengthens that momentum while delivering meaningful economic impact to Washington County and the Portland metro region. We’re grateful to the City of Hillsboro for their partnership and leadership in making this possible, and we’re excited to welcome the Portland Cascade as Oregon’s newest professional franchise.”
With a passionate fan base and a strong softball culture, the Cascade will thrive in a region where women’s sports are celebrated year-round. The presence of Pacific Northwest standouts Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki further deepens the connection between the team and its fans.
The team will be led by General Manager Jami Lobpries, who is rooted in building the success of future softball players as she served as the CEO of Alliance Fastpitch, alongside Head Coach Tairia Flowers, a decorated coach and at Loyola Marymount University, having guided the Lions to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, as well winning to Olympic medals with Team USA. In addition to Bates and former Oregon Ducks star Sinicki, Cascade’s roster also features former University of Oklahoma star Sam Landry, and U.S. national team member Kelly Maxwell, amid a lineup of world-class athletes.
This announcement follows a breakout inaugural season for the AUSL fueled by sellout crowds across the country, record viewership and social engagement and a strategic investment by Major League Baseball, as well as an offseason featuring expansion to six teams and a multi-year renewal of its media rights agreement with ESPN.
The Cascade will join the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Texas Volts and Utah Talons in the six-team league, which begins play on June 9. Fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members beginning today at 9 a.m. PT. Group tickets for all games are also available. Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
The AUSL’s inaugural season in 2025 featured a touring model that brought games to 12 locations across the country. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone as AUSL transitions to a city-based professional softball league. After evaluating numerous potential markets against a comprehensive set of criteria, each AUSL host city was ultimately selected for its authentic connection to softball, demonstrated support for women’s sports, access to professional-caliber facilities and ability to serve as a long-term home for professional teams. Together, these markets reflect the nationwide resonance of softball and AUSL’s commitment to building a league rooted in community, culture, and competitive excellence.
For more information, follow @theauslofficial and visit theausl.com.
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AUSL Unveils Home Cities
- Host Cities Unveiled as League Achieves National Footprint with Coast-to-Coast Reach
- Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Portland Cascade, Oklahoma City Spark, Texas Volts and Utah Talons Begin Quest for AUSL Championship on June 9
- 2026 Schedule Revealed; Season and Group Tickets Now On Sale
January 13, 2026, New York, N.Y. – Following a breakout inaugural season that captivated fans nationwide, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) today announced the host cities and venues for its teams beginning with the 2026 season, marking a watershed moment for the league and for professional softball.
With teams spanning six Top 50 U.S. media markets and two of the nation’s leading innovation hubs and fastest-growing cities, the announcement cements AUSL’s transition to a fully city-based league and reflects the widespread resonance of softball across the United States. In addition, AUSL’s national reach allows the league to authentically connect with fans across diverse regions and communities. Collectively, these markets significantly over-index in Millennial and Gen Z populations, women-led and college-educated households, and youth sports participation – all audiences that are shaping the future of professional women’s sports fandom.
This milestone builds on a historic inaugural season fueled by sellout crowds, record viewership and social engagement, a strategic investment by Major League Baseball, expansion to six teams, and a multi-year media rights renewal with ESPN.
After evaluating numerous potential markets against a comprehensive set of criteria, each AUSL host city was ultimately selected for its authentic connection to softball, demonstrated support for women’s sports, access to professional-caliber facilities and ability to serve as a long-term home for professional teams. Together, these markets reflect the nationwide resonance of softball and AUSL’s commitment to building a league rooted in community, culture, and competitive excellence.
The six teams and their home venues are:
Carolina Blaze – Duke University Softball Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, and Durham sits at the heart of that tradition. With a strong youth pipeline and a deep appreciation for high-level competition, the region offers an ideal home for the Blaze.
Duke University Softball Stadium provides a premier venue where the Blaze can connect with fans who value the growth and development of women’s sports. With former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright on the roster, the Blaze reflect the pride and passion of Carolina softball.
Chicago Bandits – The Stadium at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont
Chicago is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable softball markets in the country, and the birthplace of the sport itself. The return of the Bandits brand represents both a homecoming and a new chapter, blending deep regional roots with the future of professional softball.
Rosemont has served as the home of Athletes Unlimited Softball since its 2020 inception and offers an outstanding, centrally located venue for Midwest fans. Chicago is the ideal market to build the next era of professional softball, honoring tradition while pushing the sport forward.
Oklahoma City Spark – Tom Heath Field at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma stands as one of the most influential softball markets in the world, with a rich culture spanning youth, collegiate, and national levels. As the home of USA Softball and the Softball Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City represents the heart of the sport.
The University of Oklahoma’s storied softball history and the city’s growing appetite for women’s professional sports make Oklahoma City a cornerstone market for AUSL. Announced as the league’s first city and joining in late 2025, the Spark deepen AUSL’s central U.S. footprint while connecting with a passionate fan base. The return of hometown favorites Kinzie Hansen, Haley Lee and Sydney Romero further strengthens that bond.
Portland Cascade – Hillsboro Ballpark in Hillsboro, Oregon
The Pacific Northwest has consistently led the way in supporting women’s sports, and Portland stands as the epicenter of that movement. The city offers a community that embraces innovation, inclusion, and high-level competition—making it a natural fit for AUSL and its athletes.
With a passionate fan base and a strong softball culture, the Cascade will thrive in a region where women’s sports are celebrated year-round. The presence of Pacific Northwest standouts Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki further deepens the connection between the team and its fans.
Texas Volts – Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas
Texas is synonymous with softball excellence at every level, and the Volts’ home reflects that legacy. Strong fan support during AUSL games last summer confirmed the region’s appetite for elite professional softball, while the fast-growing women’s sports community provides a powerful platform for long-term growth.
Dell Diamond offers a world-class venue and fan experience, and AUSL is proud to partner with Reid Ryan and his team to establish a premier destination for the Volts. With Texas legends including GM Cat Osterman, Head Coach Ricci Woodard and recent Longhorn standout Mia Scott, the Volts are anchored in a region that lives and breathes the sport.
Utah Talons – Dumke Family Stadium at University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City has emerged as a dynamic sports market with a strong youth softball foundation and growing enthusiasm for women’s professional sports. Following sellout crowds during last season’s series, the Talons return as the reigning AUSL champions, bringing momentum and excitement to the Mountain West.
The University of Utah provides an exceptional setting for the Talons and for league expansion in the region. Led by hometown hero Hannah Flippen, the Talons are deeply connected to the community they represent.
“These host cities represent the next major chapter of the AUSL’s growth,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “We are building on the momentum of a historic inaugural season by establishing franchises in markets with strong softball traditions, proven fan engagement, and the infrastructure to support a world-class professional experience. This is about creating lasting connections between our athletes, our teams, and the communities they represent, and setting up the sport of softball for long-term success at the professional level.”
The 2026 AUSL regular season will begin June 9 with an Opening Day featuring all six teams – the Utah Talons hosting the Chicago Bandits, the Carolina Blaze hosting the Portland Cascade, and the Oklahoma City Spark hosting the Texas Volts. The full 2026 schedule can be found here. At www.theAUSL.com, fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members for any of the six teams beginning today at 12 p.m. ET. Group tickets for all games are also available. Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
The AUSL playoff format will expand to include a play-in game between the second- and third-ranked teams, with the top-performing team earning a bye into the best-of-three AUSL Championship. The AUSL Championship and play-in game will take place at a neutral site to be announced at a later date. Following the AUSL Championship, a select group of players will be chosen to compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup, a high-stakes showdown held in Rosemont to crown the ultimate individual softball champion utilizing the innovative Athletes Unlimited format.
Earlier this offseason, AUSL announced a veteran leadership group of General Managers and Head Coaches across its six teams, a collective that brings six Olympic medals, 17 NCAA championships as players and coaches, and 17 NCAA All-American honors to the league. The league’s original teams — the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts — will be joined by expansion teams OKC Spark and Portland Cascade, forming a six-team league that will compete beginning in 2026.
Last month, AUSL also completed its 2026 player acquisition process with a two-part Draft that aired live on ESPNU. The Draft opened with an Expansion Draft, allowing the OKC Spark and Portland Cascade to establish their rosters, followed by an Allocation Draft in which all six teams selected from a wider pool of professional athletes. In the spring, remaining roster spots will be filled through the AUSL College Draft, with selected NCAA athletes receiving Golden Tickets to join the league.
Earlier this offseason, Athletes Unlimited and ESPN announced a multi-year media rights extension that will make ESPN an official broadcast partner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League beginning in 2026. Under the three-year agreement, ESPN will carry 50 exclusive AUSL games annually, including 47 regular-season contests and the best-of-three AUSL Championship Series. Coverage will span ESPN platforms and include a marquee game on ABC — marking the first time professional softball will air on broadcast television in the United States.
For more information, follow @theauslofficial and visit theausl.com.
Combined WNBA and Portland Thorns Sports Training Center Announced In Hillsboro
What is the plan and cost to retrofit the baseball field into a softball field? (For newbies, home plate is MUCH closer to the backstop on a softball field.)
I am certain they have worked through that just based on my conversation with the City Manager’s office.
The cost of leveling a mound to a circle isn’t much. As for the field itself, we’re talking about shortening the basepaths to 60 feet and shortening the distance from circle to plate to just under 45 feet. Hillsboro Stadium can easily accommodate all of those tweaks—for far less than the $18 million spent by the city on the adjacent baseball facility.
In the meantime, the city gets a team stocked with NCAA Women’s College Softball World Series and national team players and an MLB-affiliated league that has a broadcast deal with ESPN.
As moves at Gordon Faber go, this is a great investment for the city. It’s using an existing facility to showcase an national, growing league ahead of softball’s appearance in the 2028 LA Olympics. It’s tapping into an underserved audience and making up for an opportunity it missed when the U.S. national team had to scrub a tour date here during the pandemic. It’s also getting a known commodity that packed touring dates at Husky Stadium last summer and landed the Ducks’ Paige Sinicki right out of Jane Sanders Stadium and put Huskies star (and US team member) Sis Bates at the top of the marquee.
I realize that the current administration had its hands tied by some of the sports business deals executed in Hillsboro in the past, but luring three professional women’s sports teams here—including one that can attract sizable investment for the region’s powerhouse softball programs in Sherwood, St. Helens, McMinnville, Beaverton, Scappoose, Yamhill, and right down the road at Glencoe—has been a particularly savvy use of its time and resources. It’s been ahead of the state’s sports lobbying firms and has created a corridor for women’s sports investment and interest right in its backyard—with a Max line right to Thorns and Fire games to match.
Speaking of softball/baseball etc., have the kids, who were displaced by the new ballpark, been compensated yet? Didn’t think so.
Any word yet on the “replacement” field for the kids who got totally screwed by the COH?
This is incredible news for Hillsboro and for the AUSL! The city truly is becoming a major hub for professional women’s sports, and it’s fantastic to see the Ballpark get immediate new life with such a promising team. Having local stars like Sis Bates and Paige Sinicki on the roster is a brilliant move to connect with the community right from the start.
For fans in the area who are excited to become Founding Season Ticket Members, what does that membership include? Are there special perks like early entry, meet-and-greets, or discounted merchandise, or is it primarily about securing the best seats for the inaugural home games?
It really is a nice outcome – we have given a lot of our community – Tens of Millions in our tax money, we gave up our Youth Sports Complex which changed when we lost fields 4,5, and 6 – so there has to be some good things too. And this is so good for womens sports at all levels. Thanks for commenting!
It seems there’s a fairly standard blueprint for founding season ticketholders at this point.
According to the Cascade, the tangible benefits include locking in the best seats for home games, but also knocking up to 25% off the price of those seats (bulk discount). Season ticketholders also get an exclusive preseason event with player meet-and-greet, an exclusive gift for the inaugural season (the Valkyries and Chase gave their founding ticketholders varsity jackets, so expect something south of that), 10% off merchandise, discounts on away games and priority access to postseason tickets.