Kim Ng Named First Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League

NEW YORK — Kim Ng was named the first commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League on April 16, 2025. Ng, the first woman to serve as general manager of a major American men’s professional sports team during her tenure with the Miami Marlins, brings decades of executive experience to the role.

Ng initially joined Athletes Unlimited as a senior advisor in the summer of 2024, tasked with developing the new professional softball league. Her appointment as commissioner signals the organization’s investment in experienced sports leadership as the AUSL prepares for its inaugural season.

Before the Marlins, Ng spent nearly 30 years in baseball operations with the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and the American League office. She is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished executives in professional sports history.

A Groundbreaking Career

Ng’s appointment continued a career of firsts that has made her one of the most prominent executives in professional sports. In November 2020, she became the first woman to serve as general manager of an MLB team when the Miami Marlins hired her, breaking a barrier that had stood for more than a century in Major League Baseball.

Before Miami, Ng spent more than two decades in MLB front offices, including stints as assistant general manager with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Her experience overseeing roster construction, salary arbitration and player development at the highest level of professional sports gave the AUSL an executive with unmatched credentials in league operations.

Vision for the AUSL

As commissioner, Ng has overseen the league’s transition from a four-team inaugural season to a six-team structure with permanent home cities for 2026. She has been instrumental in securing the multi-year ESPN broadcast agreement, the Adidas apparel partnership and the expansion to Oklahoma City and Portland.

Ng has emphasized that the AUSL’s goal is to create a sustainable, commercially viable league that provides professional opportunities and competitive salaries for elite softball players while building a fan base that can support long-term growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the AUSL commissioner?

Kim Ng serves as the first commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, appointed on April 16, 2025.

What did Kim Ng do before the AUSL?

Ng served as general manager of the Miami Marlins, becoming the first woman to hold the GM title for a major American men’s professional sports team. She previously worked with the Yankees, Dodgers, and White Sox.

When was Kim Ng appointed AUSL commissioner?

Kim Ng was appointed AUSL commissioner on April 16, 2025.