This is something we’re really excited about,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told The. “We studied the space hard. We think it’s a real opportunity and we’re excited to be

Major League Baseball is purchasing a stake in Athletes Unlimited Softball League as part of efforts to “establish and grow the AUSL as a sustainable organization” MLB said in a statement Thursday.

Tony Reagins, Major League Baseball's evp of baseball and softball development, said MLB saw potential in Athletes Unlimited almost two years ago, but wanted to get to know its leadership and get a sense of whether or not it was built for longevity-which had been an issue for professional softball leagues in the past.