A professional women’s softball league is coming to Wichita for the first time.
According to a news release from Visit Wichita, Wilkins Stadium, home of Wichita State Softball, will play host to AU Pro Softball’s AUX competition next summer. The competition will feature 18 games across two weeks with the world’s best athletes competing to be crowned champion.
“Bringing the premier women’s professional softball league to Wichita is an exciting win,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “We are very proud that Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball has selected our city as host to this prestigious event.”
Former Wichita State star and three-time All-American Sydney McKinney, who was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2023 AU Pro Softball College Draft, has already signed on to compete in the 2024 competition alongside former Olympians and other world-class athletes. “Wichita State and Wilkins Stadium are connected to some of my fondest memories as a softball player, and I’m so excited to be able to come back home as a professional with AU Pro Softball alongside the world’s top players,” said McKinney. “The Athletes Unlimited format is truly unique, and I can’t wait to see Wichita fans fill the stadium next summer to enjoy it.”
Wichita State University and Shocker Athletics are set to embark on a $19.85 million renovation project at Wilkins Stadium.
Under head coach Kristi Bredbenner, Wichita State has risen to national success including three straight NCAA regional appearances and five of the last seven NCAA Tournaments. Fresh off its second American Athletic Conference Championship in three years, Wichita State has won 67 percent of its games (239-119) over the last six full seasons, most recently a 44-12 campaign in 2023. The 44 wins were the second-most in school history.
“We are thrilled to host Athletes Unlimited over the next two summers at Wichita State University and Wilkins Stadium. This is a testament to what head coach Kristi Bredbenner and her student-athletes have built over the last decade,” said Wichita State University Director of Athletics Kevin Saal. “
