KC positions itself as a softball powerhouse
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Kansas City is stepping up to the plate in the world of softball, with two major events this weekend helping to prove that the city is becoming a powerhouse in the sport.
Why it matters: From packed youth tournaments to professional-caliber matchups, KC is making its case as a rising center for the sport and maybe even a future home for pro softball.
The big picture: The KC pro softball series and Top Gun Invitational will bring a home run derby, autograph sessions, and opportunities for student-athletes to the city this weekend.
- The newly formed Kansas City Diamonds face off against the Florida Vibe and the New York Rise in the pro softball series, which will take place at Overland Park.
- The Top Gun Invitational, one of the nation's top recruiting tournaments, is expected to draw more than 330 youth teams from 31 states, more than 4,200 athletes, and more than 350 college coaches, generating an estimated $9 million in local economic impact.
Between the lines: The KC Diamonds, composed of college juniors and seniors, are coached by former Royals All-Star Billy Butler and Olympic legend Monica Abbott.
What they're saying: "The KC Diamonds were created with purpose — to show what's possible in this market and to spark momentum toward a lasting presence," Jeremy McDowell, CEO of Top Gun Events, tells Axios. "This series is more than a showcase; it's a proof of concept."
Zoom out: Professional women's softball is gaining ground nationally. The new Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), backed by Major League Baseball, launched this month and plans to move to city-based teams in 2026.
- The league currently features four national teams: the Bandits, the Blaze, the Talons and the Volts.
- No cities have been confirmed for expansion yet.
Case in point: Alana Vawter, a Kansas City native and All-American pitcher, is suiting up for the Blaze in AUSL, and Wichita native and Olympic silver medalist Kelsey Stewart-Hunter is playing for the Volts.
- "To see my name on a roster with and against some of the greatest women who have ever played our game is such an amazing opportunity," Vawter tells Axios. "It means everything to represent Kansas City."
- Together, they're giving Midwest fans a real rooting interest and showcasing the kind of homegrown athletes who could anchor a future franchise.