Northwoods League announces new summer collegiate softball league to begin play in 2024

ROCHESTER, Minn. (WLCX) – The Northwoods League is announcing Tuesday the creation of a new summer collegiate softball league that would begin play in the summer of 2024.

The new league, Northwoods League Softball, would have teams currently in the same areas that the Northwoods League has baseball teams in, according to a release.

Currently, the Northwoods League has baseball teams in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, North Dakota, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. 10 of the league’s 22 squads are based in Wisconsin: Eau Claire, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, Hudson (as a future expansion team), Kenosha, La Crosse, Madison, Mequon, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids.

Student-athletes with college eligibility will be allowed to participate in the league, which will play 40-game schedules starting in June and ending in early August.

“We believe that this new league will help fill a void in the summer softball landscape,” Kathy Radatz, Northwoods League Softball Chairman/co-Founder, said. “We have seen tremendous growth in interest in women’s softball in recent years, and we are excited to be able to provide a platform for female athletes to continue to hone their skills and compete at a high level during the summer months.”

On the baseball side, over 1 million fans attend games each year, with 320 former or current MLB players having gone through the Northwoods League in its 30 seasons.

Currently, the league is seeking team owners, coaches, and players, as well as sponsors. You can learn more on the Northwoods League Softball website.