Knoxville Lands First Pro Softball Team for 2027

The Professional Softball League is expanding to Knoxville with a new team joining its summer circuit.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the motion and intensity of a women's softball game, conveying the conceptual energy and excitement of the new professional league coming to Knoxville.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and energy of a professional women's softball game, reflecting the sport's growing popularity and investment.Knoxville Today

Knoxville, Tennessee will be home to the Professional Softball League's newest expansion team starting in the 2027 season. The new team will be part of the PSL's growing summer pro circuit, which launched in 2025 and is backed by the All Women's Sports Network. While details on the team name and home venue are still to be determined, league officials say they are working closely with local partners to establish the franchise in the East Tennessee city.

Why it matters

The addition of a professional women's softball team in Knoxville is a significant milestone for the city, providing a high-level sports entertainment option and giving young local players a potential pathway to the pros after college. The PSL's expansion to Knoxville also reflects the growing popularity and investment in women's professional sports across the country.

The details

The Professional Softball League formally announced its formation in December 2025 and plans to open its inaugural season in June-July 2027 with seven teams. The league will allow up to 20 players per roster and have broadcast coverage through the All Women's Sports Network. Knoxville was identified as a prime expansion market due to the city's strong college softball program at the University of Tennessee and deep youth participation in the sport locally.

  • The PSL formally announced its formation in December 2025.
  • The league's inaugural season is planned for June-July 2027.
  • The Knoxville expansion team is expected to begin play in the 2027 season.

The players

Professional Softball League

A new summer pro softball circuit that launched in 2025 and is backed by the All Women's Sports Network.

AWSN

The All Women's Sports Network, which will provide broadcast coverage for the Professional Softball League.

Caylan Arnold Elliott

A former Lady Vol softball player who believes Knoxville has the fanbase and youth participation to support a pro team.

Ryan Moore

A spokesperson for the Professional Softball League who is working with Knoxville partners to bring a team to the city.

University of Tennessee Athletics

The college's softball program and packed home schedules are seen as evidence of Knoxville's potential as a pro softball market.

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What they’re saying

“The fanbase is here. A local pro team would give young players role models and a nearby pathway after college.”

— Caylan Arnold Elliott, Former Lady Vol softball player

“We want the club to debut in 2027 and are coordinating with local ownership and community groups. That local-level work will determine the team's name, home park and ticketing timeline.”

— Ryan Moore, PSL spokesperson

What’s next

League and local partners will firm up ownership, venue and community programming before an official rollout of the Knoxville expansion team. The PSL says teams will carry rosters of up to 20 professional players and will operate under a single-league format, with broadcasts on AWSN.

The takeaway

The addition of a Professional Softball League team in Knoxville represents a significant milestone for women's sports in the region, providing a high-level pro option for local fans and young players aspiring to reach the next level. The expansion also reflects the growing popularity and investment in women's professional sports leagues across the country.