Leveraging the 30-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League, entering its second season in the summer of 2025.  The purpose of the League is to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play.  Teams are promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment.

All athletes that have softball college eligibility remaining. Select graduated High School players admitted to college and a limited number of just graduated college players will also be eligible for play.

A 42-game season will begin in mid-June and run until early August.  Check out the full schedule.

Each team recruits their 18-person roster.  The contract signature window is open and applications to play are being accepted now.  Invited players will be sent a digital Uniform Player Contract to fill out.  Click HERE to submit an application, or contact one of our teams/coaches today for more information.

Each full-season player pays $335 to play (Half season is $235; Temporary is $50 and can play 7 game maximum).  Players will be provided housing with host families in their respective home cities, travel to and from away games by charter bus, hotel accommodations on the road and three daily meals while traveling.  The League will also cover the cost of all uniforms, catcher’s equipment, balls, bats, and umpires.  Players may bring their own bats for in-game use (if Easton brand).  Players are responsible for travel to and from their respective League city at the beginning and end of the season.

Typically, up and coming college coaches and former coaches will coach NWLS teams.  Learn more about the 2025 head coaches: La Crosse Steam, Madison Night Mares, Mankato Habaneros and Minot Honeybees.

NWLS games will be streamed using a 4-camera HD production that is available in all League venues.