Former Miami Marlins general manager Kim Ng has been hired by Athletes Unlimited as Senior Advisor.
Ng, who became MLB’s first female general manager in November 2020, will oversee the development of the Athlete Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), scheduled to launch in spring 2025.
“Kim’s groundbreaking accomplishments are truly unparalleled and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the world of softball and have her lead our team as we launch the AUSL,” said CEO Jon Patricof. “Her experience at the highest levels of professional sport will be instrumental as we develop every aspect of this new league. Cheri and I have been searching for a leader to launch the AUSL and Kim has been at the top of the list of candidates since day one.”
Ng, who played college softball at the University of Chicago, also worked as an assistant general manager with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees from 1998 to 2011 and then as MLB’s senior vice president of baseball operations under Joe Torre.
After three seasons with the Marlins, Ng parted ways with the franchise in October after declining a mutual option.
AUSL’s planned growth
The AUSL will begin play with four touring teams and a 30-game season (60 games total) that will air 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.
In 2026, the plan is for AUSL teams to be based in 6-8 different cities as the sport prepares to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We’re at a moment here,” Ng said. The Associated Press“And maybe it won’t be a moment. Maybe it’s more of a movement. “I just wanted to be a part of it.”
