On Tuesday, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) named Durham as the home of the Carolina Blaze, one of six city-based professional women's softball teams. The announcement comes after the AUSL's breakout inaugural season in 2025. The league brought pro softball to 12 U.S. cities and set record viewership in front of sellout crowds.
The Blaze will host 10 games at Smith Family Stadium on the campus of Duke University.
"The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, Durham represents the heart of that tradition," said Kim Ng, the Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
The Carolina Blaze 13-player roster features two former Blue Devil standouts: Ana Gold and Jala Wright.
The team will be led by general manager Dana Sorensen and head coach Kara Gill.
The Blaze's first game is set for June 9 vs. the Portland Cascade in Durham.
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