Former Dodgers Exec Kim Ng Aims to Build AUSL Into the ‘MLB of Softball’

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is entering its second season in history this month. Former Los Angeles Dodgers executive Kim Ng, who now a commissioner for the AUSL, is determined to build the league up to the same caliber of MLB.

Ng is no stranger to breaking down barriers for women in sports.

In November 2020, Ng became the first female general manager in MLB history when the Miami Marlins hired her. She has more than 30 years of experience working in baseball operations and spent a decade with the Dodgers.

“She’s the right person at the right time,” UCLA softball associate head coach and Utah Talons general manager Lisa Fernandez said to the Los Angeles Times. “Knowing Kim’s background in baseball, having her know the business of how to run a league, a no-brainer for me.”

AUSL Has Expanded to Six Teams Across the Country

Going into its second season, the AUSL has six teams. The league started with four teams last season (Carolina Blaze, Utah Talons, Chicago Bandits and Texas Volts) then added the Portland Cascade and Oklahoma City Spark as expansion teams this season.

“I would hope that we are the major league baseball of softball,” Ng said in a phone conversation, per the Los Angeles Times. “That is a good number of teams, spread out across the country, with a huge following, all of our games televised.

“That’s the goal. To be the MLB of softball.”

MLB reportedly invested $10 million into the AUSL and uses its platform to promote the growing league.

There is still a long way to go before the AUSL reaches the caliber of MLB. But Ng is helping softball take steps in that direction.

“I can’t even tell you the number of people that have approached me, just openly sobbing with happiness,” Ng said, per the Los Angeles Times. “It’s been incredible, experiencing all of that and understanding how long people have been waiting for something like this.”

Photo Credit: Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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