Great American Ball Park to host pro softball team co-owned by Brandon Phillips
Great American Ball Park will host professional softball for the first time on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, when the Atlanta Smoke of the Professional Softball League (PSL) take the field for an exhibition game following the Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs game.
The Smoke, one of the premier organizations in professional women’s softball, have captured four straight championships from 2023 to 2026 and are co-owned by Reds Hall of Famer Brandon Phillips and WWE® Superstar Jade Cargill.
Fans attending the Reds vs. Cubs game can stay after for the softball exhibition, which will feature current and former Smoke players, including members of the recently crowned 2026 championship team and players who have competed for the franchise since its inception in 2023.
Phillips and Cargill will draft players to their respective teams for the exhibition, which also will feature live interviews and dugout discussions with the husband-and-wife duo.
Originally established as the Texas Smoke in Austin, the franchise relocated to Atlanta in 2024. The team won three consecutive Women’s Pro Fastpitch championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025 before capturing the inaugural Professional Softball League championship in 2026.
While in Cincinnati, the Smoke also will conduct a softball clinic for players participating in the Reds Nike RBI programs at the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy in Roselawn.
The Smoke will receive their 2025 championship rings during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19.
‘Queen City Double Play’ – Sunday, Sept. 20
- Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs (1:40 p.m.)
- Atlanta Smoke exhibition (The Smoke will take the field for warmups approximately 15 minutes after the Reds game, with play beginning as soon as both teams are ready.)
All fans with a Reds vs. Cubs game ticket can stay for the free softball exhibition.
About Brandon Phillips: Brandon Phillips is a former Major League Baseball All-Star infielder known for his dynamic play and charismatic presence on the field. Over his illustrious career, Phillips excelled as a second baseman, earning four Gold Glove awards and making three All-Star appearances. After retiring from professional baseball, he transitioned into sports management and co-ownership, bringing his passion and expertise to the Atlanta Smoke. Phillips continues to influence the sport, contributing to the growth and success of women’s softball through his leadership and vision. Phillips was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2026.
About Jade Cargill: Jade Cargill is a prominent WWE® wrestler known for her athleticism and commanding presence in the ring. With a background in fitness modeling and a master’s degree in child psychology, Jade brings a unique blend of intelligence, strength, and charisma to the wrestling world. As a co-owner of the Atlanta Smoke, she extends her influence beyond the ring, supporting the growth and empowerment of women in professional sports, particularly within the realm of women’s softball.