A new commissioner aims to elevate women's softball
Kim Ng, a trailblazing figure in baseball who spent more than three decades in Major League Baseball before becoming the first woman to serve as a general manager, has now taken the helm of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League as its commissioner.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the league prepares for its second season, having secured a partnership with Major League Baseball that will broadcast 50 games on ESPN and culminate with the championship on ABC.
Strategic expansion across the country
Under Ng’s guidance, the league is set to broaden its footprint, adding franchises in North Carolina, Illinois, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas and Utah, while also planning events in Long Island, Chicago and other key markets across the United States.
The expansion strategy reflects a deliberate, measured approach: Ng says the league will not rush into the crowded Los Angeles market until it has built a solid foundation, a stance informed by her time in the league office where patience and methodical growth are paramount.
Building legitimacy through experience
Her deep relationships with players such as Lisa Fernandez, Megan Grant, Bryanna Lopez, Kaitlyn Laabs, Jordan Woolery and Taylor Tinsley have helped attract a new generation of talent eager to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Fans are already responding, with viewership numbers climbing and a growing community of supporters who want to watch their favorite players compete in a professional environment that promises both visibility and sustainability.
A sustainable future for softball
The league’s business model, backed by MLB’s investment, aims to create a sustainable professional ecosystem that can thrive beyond a single season, offering young athletes a clear pathway from college to the pros.
Ng’s leadership not only reshapes the competitive landscape of softball but also signals a broader shift toward greater representation and opportunity for women in professional sports.