In May 2023, the Northwoods League announced that they were creating a summer collegiate softball league to begin play in 2024. Explaining the rationale, co-founder Kathy Radatz said “We have seen tremendous growth in interest in women’s softball in recent years, and we are excited to be able to provide a platform for female athletes to continue to hone their skills and compete at a high level during the summer months.” In January 2024, the ownership group of the
Madison Mallards announced that they would be creating a collegiate summer softball team to participate in the first season of the NWLS, with plans to equip
Warner Park with an artificial turf infield, a portable pitcher's mound, and a movable outfield fence. In summer 2024, Madison joined with teams in
La Crosse, Wisconsin;
Mankato, Minnesota; and
Minot, North Dakota in the inaugural season of the upstart softball league. Madison finished the season with a 25-17 record, good for second place. In 2025, NWLS expanded to five teams with the addition of
Wausau, Wisconsin, and held the league's first playoff series. In the regular season, Madison posted a record of 35-7, significantly better than the next best team at 21-21. They swept a 3-game playoff series against Minot and won their first NWLS championship. ==Brand==