女子职业垒球，拿到了MLB的千万投资

Core Insights - Major League Baseball (MLB) has made a strategic investment of $10 million to acquire over 20% equity in the American Ultimate Softball League (AUSL), marking a significant commitment to women's professional sports [2][4] - This investment is seen as a watershed moment for women's sports, particularly for softball, as it represents the first time a leading professional sports league has heavily invested in women's athletics through equity acquisition [2][14] Investment Rationale - The increasing value and popularity of women's sports have attracted various investors, with notable examples including the sale of a stake in the Liberty team for $450 million and a $240 million broadcasting deal for the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) [5] - MLB President Rob Manfred highlighted the growing participation in softball, with over 500,000 new participants in 2023, a 6% year-over-year increase, and record viewership for the Women's College World Series [5][10] Leadership and Vision - Kim Ng, the president of AUSL and a prominent figure in MLB, is a key driver behind this investment, having previously made history as the first female general manager in North American professional sports [7][10] - Under her leadership, AUSL aims to elevate women's softball and provide opportunities for female athletes to gain recognition and success in the sport [10][14] Historical Context - Softball has evolved since its inception in 1887, becoming a primary sport for women, especially after MLB's ban on female participation in baseball [11][13] - The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will feature softball as a women's-only event, further emphasizing the sport's unique identity [11] Future Prospects - MLB's investment is expected to enhance AUSL's visibility and reach, with plans for extensive media coverage and promotional support through MLB's platforms [14][16] - The collaboration aims to create a mainstream presence for women's softball, allowing female athletes to gain the same recognition as their male counterparts in baseball [16][18]