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AUSL Names Durham as Host City for Carolina Blaze
1/13/2026 3:54:00 PM | Softball
DURHAM, N.C. – Following the inaugural 2025 season, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced Durham as the home of the Carolina Blaze, one of six city-based professional women's softball teams. The Blaze will host 10 games at Smith Family Stadium, formerly Duke Softball Stadium, beginning in June.
The announcement follows a historic 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.
Former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright are set to take the field with the Blaze this summer. Gold was selected by the Blaze as the ninth overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft, earning Rookie of the Year and All-Defensive Team honors. Wright was taken in the Expansion Draft in December as the 17th overall pick.
"As a newer program, it is truly an honor for Duke softball to serve as a host site and home for the Carolina Blaze," head coach Marissa Young said. "Bringing professional softball to Durham reflects our shared commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation. The opportunity to see Ana Gold and Jala Wright back on the field together here in Durham is incredibly special – for our program, our community and the sport as a whole."
The Blaze will play a 25-game regular season, consisting of two or three game series, spanning from June 9-July 20. The playoff format has been expanded to include a play-in game between the league's second- and third-ranked teams, with the No. 1 seed earning a bye into the best-of-three AUSL Championship. Each of those playoff games will be played at a neutral site to be announced at a later date.
"We're beyond excited to bring the AUSL to Durham and launch the Carolina Blaze, a name that represents both the fiery energy of our fans and the trailblazing spirit that defines this community and the Carolinas," said Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning. "This marks another opportunity to inspire young athletes, elevate the game, and strengthen community pride. We sincerely thank Duke University for partnering with us and providing access to their world-class softball facilities in a true reflection of our 'One Team, One Durham' approach."
The AUSL will be hosting a Carolina Blaze launch event Wednesday, January 21 at 10 a.m., at PNC Triangle Club at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Local media will be given the opportunity to speak with AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, Athletes Unlimited Co-Founder and CEO Jon Patricof, Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning, Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen, Blaze Head Coach Kara Dill, former Duke star and Blaze infielder Ana Gold and Blaze pitcher Aleshia Ocasio.
Fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members for the Carolina Blaze here. Group tickets for all games are also available.
Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
#GoDuke
The announcement follows a historic 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.
Former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright are set to take the field with the Blaze this summer. Gold was selected by the Blaze as the ninth overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft, earning Rookie of the Year and All-Defensive Team honors. Wright was taken in the Expansion Draft in December as the 17th overall pick.
"As a newer program, it is truly an honor for Duke softball to serve as a host site and home for the Carolina Blaze," head coach Marissa Young said. "Bringing professional softball to Durham reflects our shared commitment to growing the game and inspiring the next generation. The opportunity to see Ana Gold and Jala Wright back on the field together here in Durham is incredibly special – for our program, our community and the sport as a whole."
The Blaze will play a 25-game regular season, consisting of two or three game series, spanning from June 9-July 20. The playoff format has been expanded to include a play-in game between the league's second- and third-ranked teams, with the No. 1 seed earning a bye into the best-of-three AUSL Championship. Each of those playoff games will be played at a neutral site to be announced at a later date.
"We're beyond excited to bring the AUSL to Durham and launch the Carolina Blaze, a name that represents both the fiery energy of our fans and the trailblazing spirit that defines this community and the Carolinas," said Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning. "This marks another opportunity to inspire young athletes, elevate the game, and strengthen community pride. We sincerely thank Duke University for partnering with us and providing access to their world-class softball facilities in a true reflection of our 'One Team, One Durham' approach."
The AUSL will be hosting a Carolina Blaze launch event Wednesday, January 21 at 10 a.m., at PNC Triangle Club at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Local media will be given the opportunity to speak with AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, Athletes Unlimited Co-Founder and CEO Jon Patricof, Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning, Blaze General Manager Dana Sorensen, Blaze Head Coach Kara Dill, former Duke star and Blaze infielder Ana Gold and Blaze pitcher Aleshia Ocasio.
Fans can become Founding Season Ticket Members for the Carolina Blaze here. Group tickets for all games are also available.
Single game tickets will be available at a later date.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils softball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeSOFTBALL"
#GoDuke
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