FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PitchCom® and AUSL Extend Partnership Through 2028, Building on Breakthrough First Year to Accelerate the Future of Softball
Multi-year extension builds on successful league-wide integration of communication technology advancing innovation, athlete performance, and long-term growth of the game
Scottsdale, AZ (May 19, 2026) - Following a successful first year of collaboration, PitchCom® and AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League) today announced a multi-year extension of their partnership, continuing PitchCom’s role as the Official Supplier and Exclusive On-Field Communication Provider through the 2028 season.
Originally launched in 2025 as a first-of-its-kind partnership in professional softball, the collaboration quickly established a new standard for communication, pace of play, and in-game strategy. The extension reflects the success and adoption of PitchCom® technology across the league, as well as a shared commitment to pushing the sport forward.
Under the extended agreement, PitchCom® technology will continue to be utilized by all AUSL teams throughout the 2026–2028 AUSL regular seasons, playoffs, AUSL Championship, and AUSL All-Star Cup events. By equipping athletes with secure, real-time communication tools, the system enhances efficiency on the field while elevating both the competitive experience and the fan product.
“This extension is a direct result of what we’ve been able to build together over the past year,” said John Hankins, CEO of PitchCom®. “AUSL embraced innovation from day one, and the impact has been clear - from improved pace of play to more dynamic in-game strategy. We’re excited to continue evolving alongside the league and setting a new benchmark for softball at every level.”
The partnership will also continue to expand beyond gameplay through content storytelling and fan engagement initiatives. PitchCom® will serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 AUSL All-Star Cup Opening Day, further enhancing the fan experience through in-venue activations and branded touchpoints.
“AUSL didn’t just adopt new technology - they embraced a vision for what the game can become,” said Ashlie Rowley, Head of Softball at PitchCom®. “What we’ve seen in year one is just the beginning. This partnership is about more than the present - it’s about creating access, visibility, and opportunity for the next generation of athletes. Together, we are helping shape the future of softball.”
“From an operations standpoint, PitchCom has had a real impact on how our games are played, and we are thrilled to continue the partnership for many years to come,” said Sam Fischer, Senior Manager of Softball Operations for the AUSL. “It simplifies communication between pitchers and catchers, reduces the potential for missed or crossed signals, and keeps the game moving at a better pace. Just as importantly, our athletes have embraced it quickly, which speaks to how naturally it fits into the flow of the game at this level.”
In addition to on-field integration, the partnership includes athlete-driven content initiatives, testimonials, and expanded media visibility - further amplifying the voices of AUSL athletes while showcasing the evolution of the sport.
The extension solidifies a shared commitment between PitchCom® and AUSL to lead softball into its next era - where innovation, athlete empowerment, and fan engagement intersect to drive sustained growth across all levels of the game.
About PitchCom®
Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, PitchCom® is the leading innovator in electronic communication systems for baseball, softball, and other team sports. Co-founded by Craig Filicetti and John Hankins, PitchCom® revolutionized sports communication with its patented, encrypted pitch-signaling device - designed to eliminate confusion, improve pace of play, and preserve competitive integrity. For more information follow @pitchcom.sports and visit: pitchcom.com
About the AUSL:
The premier professional softball league in the U.S., the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) launched in 2025 with four teams and expanded to six teams ahead of the 2026 season while anchoring those teams in home markets for the first time. Led by Commissioner Kim Ng and featuring investment from Major League Baseball, advisors including softball legends Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley as well as a multi-year media rights deal with ESPN, the AUSL is home to the best softball players in the world competing on the sport’s biggest professional stage. The Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Portland Cascade, Oklahoma City Spark, Texas Volts and Utah Talons begin their quest for the AUSL Championship on June 9. 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, Ill. to crown the ultimate individual softball champion utilizing the innovative Athletes Unlimited format. For more information, follow @theauslofficial and visit theausl.com.
Media Contact:
Ashlie Rowley
Head of Softball
(303) 887-9259
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ACC, PitchCom Announce Multi-Year Agreement for Baseball, Softball