AU Hoops Moving to Nashville in 2025 » Winsidr

On Monday, September 9, Athletes Unlimited announced that its fourth pro basketball campaign is moving to Nashville, Tennessee. AU Hoops, with its fantasy-like scoring model and unique weekly redraft structure, has become an offseason mainstay for WNBA hoopers that want to remain stateside during the league’s offseason. The 24-game season will take place across four weeks, from February 5 through March 2, 2025, with all games played at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

“The city of Nashville has been so enthusiastic and welcoming to us, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball to Music City,” said Megan Perry, Director of Basketball for Athletes Unlimited. “Tennessee has long been a hotbed for women’s basketball as the home of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and its rich history at the collegiate level. We’re excited to bring a roster full of elite professional talent on the court and on the sidelines back to fans in the region.” 

After AU’s first season was played in Las Vegas, Nevada early in 2022, the past two have taken place in Dallas, Texas. During that third campaign, 29 of the league’s 40 players had WNBA experience, a number that has grown each year of AU Hoops’ existence. W talent has excelled in the AU Hoops format, with Tianna Hawkins (2022), NaLyssa Smith (2023), and Allisha Gray (2024) having been crowned champion in the first three seasons. Now, the party moves north to Nashville.

“It’s inspiring to see how women’s sports has captured the nation’s attention, from the college basketball tournament in the spring, the popularity of the ongoing WNBA season, and through the Olympic Games this summer. Having the athletes driving the AU Pro Basketball season at Municipal Auditorium is an exciting opportunity to showcase WNBA level experience and talent in Nashville,” said Freddie O’Connell, Mayor, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. “As mayor of a great sports city, and as father of two daughters who are both athletes and women’s sports fans, I’m excited to welcome the league and players to our city.” 

Although the roster announcements will trickle in at a later date, Lexie Brown, who chairs the AU Pro Basketball Player Executive Committee and also plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, is looking forward to season four. “Athletes Unlimited has given so many players like myself the opportunity to play world-class basketball domestically during the WNBA offseason while offering players a real seat at the table regarding all important decisions about the league,” said Brown. “I have heard from many players who are looking forward to competing in Nashville, a city that has been passionate about women’s basketball for a long time.” 

Group and season ticket deposits for the upcoming season are available now at AUProBasketball.com. The 40-player roster, as well as the full schedule for the 2025 AU Pro Basketball season, including broadcast information, game dates and times will be announced at a later date.