Kim Ng, the former Miami Marlins general manager, has been hired by Athletes Unlimited as a senior advisor. Ng, who made history as MLB’s first female GM in November 2020, will be overseeing the development of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), slated to start in the spring of 2025. CEO Jon Patricof expressed enthusiasm about Ng’s appointment, citing her groundbreaking achievements and experience in professional sports as attributes that will be crucial in shaping the new league.
Ng, who played college softball at the University of Chicago and previously held positions as an assistant GM with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, later serving as MLB’s senior vice president of baseball operations under Joe Torre, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. After three seasons with the Marlins, Ng parted ways with the team in October when she declined a mutual option.
The AUSL will kick off with four touring teams and a 30-game season (60 total games) broadcasting on ESPN’s networks. Former players Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley are league advisors who will collaborate with Ng on the strategic direction of the AUSL. Plans for expansion are in place, with the aim for AUSL teams to be established in 6-8 different cities by 2026 in anticipation of softball’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Ng expressed her excitement about joining the movement for women in sports, highlighting the significance of the opportunity to be part of the AUSL’s growth and development. Her diverse background and experiences in the world of professional sports position her well to contribute to the success of the AUSL as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in softball.