Prime Highlights
- Rule42 will become one of the largest stakeholders in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, with CEO Renée James joining its board.
- The company has also acquired Softball America as it expands its focus on women’s softball and athlete development.
Key Facts
- Rule42 is an Oregon-based sports technology company that uses an AI-powered platform to connect youth athletes with scouts and coaches.
- AUSL is a professional women’s softball league founded in 2025 with six teams, including the Portland Cascade.
Background
Oregon-based sports technology startup Rule42 will acquire a significant stake in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and has also acquired Softball America, strengthening its focus on women’s softball.
Rule42 will become one of the largest stakeholders in the professional women’s softball league. Its CEO and co-founder, Renée James, will join the AUSL board. The company has not disclosed the value of its investment or the percentage of the league it will own.
The AUSL was founded in 2025 and has six teams. The Portland Cascade is playing its first season and shares a stadium with the Hillsboro Hops, a High-A affiliate of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. AUSL games are broadcast on ESPN, while 11 of Portland’s 12 home games have sold out.
Rule42 also acquired Softball America, a platform that provides information and coverage related to softball. The company plans to use the acquisitions to support the growth of the sport and create more opportunities for athletes.
Rule42 operates an AI-powered platform that connects young athletes with coaches and scouts. James said the company sees strong potential in women’s softball and believes the sport has lacked the professional scouting systems available in baseball.
The investment comes as women’s sports attract larger audiences and greater commercial interest across the US. Rule42 said its expansion into softball reflects its wider focus on supporting athletes and building technology around sports.
AUSL co-founder and CEO Jon Patricof said James’ investment and business experience would strengthen the league and support its long-term growth.
The transaction adds to Rule42’s growing presence in the Portland sports market after the company became a founding partner of Hops Ballpark.
