Former Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng has been hired by Athletes Unlimited as a senior advisor.
Ng, who became MLB’s first-ever female general manager in November 2020, will oversee the development of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), set to launch in spring 2025.
“Kim’s groundbreaking accolades are truly unparalleled, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the softball world and have her lead our team in the launch of the AUSL,” said CEO Jon Patricof. “Her experience at the highest levels of professional sport will be vital in developing every aspect of this new competition. Cheri and I are looking for a leader to launch the AUSL and Kim has been at the top of the candidate list since day one.
Ng, who played softball at the University of Chicago, also served as assistant GM with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees from 1998 to 2011 and later as senior vice president of MLB baseball operations under Joe Torre.
After three seasons with the Marlins, Ng parted ways with the franchise in October after declining a mutual option.
The planned growth of AUSL
The AUSL will begin with four touring teams and a 30-game season (60 games total) with matches televised on ESPN networks. Former players Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman and Natasha Watley are advisors to the league and will consult with Ng on the strategic direction of the AUSL.
The plan is for AUSL teams to be based in six to eight different cities by 2026 as the sport prepares to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We’ll be here soon,” Ng told The Associated Press. “And maybe it’s not a moment. Maybe it’s more of a movement. I just wanted to be part of it.”
