The AUSL All-Star Cup Is Here!

The Athletes Unlimited All-Star Cup is here! Beginning on Friday, August 8, 45 of the league’s top players will compete in a unique format for the chance to be crowned All-Star Cup champion.

After a record-breaking championship series, the league’s biggest stars are ready to return to the field. Over the next four weeks, players from each team will compete in Rosemont, Illinois at the Chicago Bandits home field.

Here, they will play a total of 12 games with one champion rising to the top. Instead of a team claiming the title, a single player whose performance tops the rest will accept the trophy.

Last season, catcher Kaya Kowalik took it home, but after struggling through injuries this season, she won’t be competing.

There is no obvious projection for this year’s winner. A dominant pitcher could always put together enough points to earn the top spot, but a position player with a hot bat could have a great hitting streak that gives them the power they need.

The All-Star Cup is fun, friendly, and ultra competitive, and we can’t wait to see it kick off.

The Format

Unlike other versions of All-Star games that recruit two teams to compete in one game, the AUSL employs a different approach. Leaning into AUSL formats before launching the city-based teams, the 45 selected players will compete on rotating teams with different captains.

The Cup consists of a total of 12 games divided into four series of three teams. Teams will all play each other in each series before the rosters rotate.

Throughout the games, individual players collect points, similar to fantasy sports leagues.

Players can earn points in three ways: The team wins a game or inning, recording a productive at bat to earn a range of points, or being voted an MVP of the game. Players and fans will select three MVPs at the conclusion of each game.

Additionally, pitchers may lose points for giving up an earned run and runners can lose points for unsuccessful steals.

For a full breakdown of the points system, look here.

After each series, the top three players will be names the captains for the upcoming series. After each series, captains will redraft their teams with support from coaches, managers, or players.

The First Matchups

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Georgina Corrick, Rachel Garcia, and Keilani Ricketts will serve as captains for series one. All three are veteran pitchers who have been with the league for three or more years.

Their wealth of experience is a plus not only in drafting their teams, but also orchestrating practices, lineups, and game day decisions.

Who Should they Draft?

It may seem obvious who the standouts are as talent runs deep through the league, but the captains have to consider that they’re only playing two games with their team.

There’s 12 pitchers selected to compete in the cup, which likely means each team will end up with four. An average of two pitchers per game seems reasonable, but many selected pitchers, like 2026 champions Corrick or Montana Fouts, often throw complete games.

Is it worth taking the risk of drafting two or three pitchers to load up on strong bats and position players? Will they stick to the same nine players for all 14 (or more) innings, or will we see more subs in this format?

Season Long Stars Chase One More Title

Of course, eyes are all on the Talons’ stars as they come back to the field as champions. The Talons are sending nine players to Rosemont, among the highest from a single team.

Your favorite champions are back, like the pitching duo of Fouts and Corrick, power hitter Bri Ellis, and championship series MVP Jadelyn Allchin.

The rookie presence is strong with stars like Jordan Woolery, Kenzie Brown, rookie of the year Reese Atwood, and of course, Megan Grant.

Additionally, Oklahoma City’s Maya Brady makes her return after missing the postseason by one game. Now holding an international title and MVP trophy, she’s back to wreak havoc on the diamond.

Friendly Fire

The most exciting part of the Cup is, of course, watching teammates and friends play against each other. With ever-changing teams, players are guaranteed to face a teammate somewhere on the field, whether it be at the plate, making a play at first, or gunning someone our from center.

Knowing your regular-season teammate’s strengths and weaknesses is also key to helping our your All-Star team. Knowing what pitchers they may throw or where they like the ball placed to hit it out can prepare you for your at bat or keep balls in the park.

The Cup kicks off this weekend! Get ready for four more weeks of the greatest stars back on the field. Games will be available to watch on ESPNU, MLB Network, and CBS Sports Network.