Woody and Jessie are stepping up to the plate. Disney and ESPN are giving the Athletes Unlimited Softball League a Toy Story boost for this weekend’s championship series, as Saturday’s Game 1 on ABC becomes the first professional softball game ever telecast on broadcast television. The fan-favorite duo will lead a pregame parade featuring youth softball players and take part in the ceremonial first pitch, with scenes from both included in the ABC telecast.
A Broadcast TV First For Pro Softball
ESPN is producing the championship series itself for the first time, deploying 23 cameras including three super slow motion units, a drone, and the Megalodon shallow depth of field handheld camera, according to Variety. The Pixar franchise’s involvement brings Disney’s biggest animated family to the party, aimed squarely at introducing the league to broader and younger audiences.
Disney Bets On Women’s Sports
“It’s a really natural way to introduce the league to broader and younger audiences,” said Joelle Downes, vice president of ESPN and Disney Consumer Products Synergy. Athletes Unlimited chief growth officer Allie Kleva added that having Toy Story engage with the league “just elevates the property.” The push reflects Disney’s growing commitment to emerging sports and women’s leagues, and it does not hurt that the franchise remains red hot after Toy Story 5’s massive box office run.
Game 1 of the AUSL Championship airs Saturday, July 25 at 1 p.m. ET on ABC from Davis Diamond in College Station, Texas, with Game 2 on ESPN Sunday and a potential Game 3 on ESPN2 Monday. Expect plenty of friends beyond the infield.
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