September 27, 2024
FORT COLLINS, CO – Establishing a grounded and reliable women’s professional softball league has been a goal within the sport for at least a couple of decades, with some ventures getting real traction while others labored to catch on.
For players looking to extend their careers (without leaving the country) after their college runs, and for fans of the sport in general, the powers at Athletes Unlimited are readying plans to make 2025 and 2026 critical years in the developing of a professional setting.
AU senior advisor Kim Ng recently visited the facilities at Triple Crown Sports as part of her research journey, taking in not just details of the field complex and the CSE Performance Lab (where player data capture would prove useful), but to hear more about TCS’ events and how AU might find common ground going forward. Next year, AU is looking to field four teams that will “barnstorm” in the service of an 8-10 week schedule, with 6-8 cities being eyeballed as locations.
In 2026, teams will have dedicated home locations. Through it all, Ng will be a key voice in the planning and execution of AU’s roadmap, fortified by a 30-plus year career in Major League Baseball, including three years as the general manager of the Miami Marlins, where she was the first woman to hold that title in any of the four major North America professional leagues.
“I’ve known about Athletes Unlimited for five years now – the transition made some sense. The opportunity presented itself, and we’ve been talking how it’s not even a moment for women’s sports, it’s a movement,” said Ng, who played collegiate softball at the University of Chicago. “It’s been there for a long time, but it’s finally being appreciated. Having never been in this arena, it's very exciting to entertain. I appreciate the unique vision at Athletes Unlimited; they are well-intentioned and methodical in how they go about their business. It was a good match.
“Personally, to be involved in the women’s sports movement knowing I’ve fought for women my entire career, to pave the path for anyone who wants to get into baseball, this is another arm of that larger goal. I marvel every day when I watch these women on the field, to see what incredible athletes they are and how dedicated they are to push the sport forward.”
AU co-founders Jonathan Soros and Jon Patricof started their softball programming with an individual-based model that awarded points for performance. But the time has come to roll out a more traditional model, ideally informed by lessons learned from other leagues that didn’t survive.
“It's unfortunate that pro softball has a bit of spotty history, but in terms of the dedication and resources and intention (AU)assures we are operating under – I’m so enthusiastic about the prospects of what’s happening in this space,” Ng said. “I’ve gone through dozens of interviews with head coaching and general manager candidates, and there is a buzz in the softball landscape. Everyone understands the history, but I haven’t seen this type of swell before … one of my responsibilities is to help galvanize the group, from the little ones to those who have seen it all … this is our shot, and we have to make it happen. Failure is not an option.”
Ng will continue her busy schedule of assessing the player pool, hiring for the infrastructure, determining rules and creating a reliable fan experience. With softball part of the programming for the 2028 and 2032 Summer Olympics, sharpening the competitive approach for players who will be on those rosters is of prime importance.
“The Olympics and national team, USA Softball, is a huge part of this ecosystem,” Ng added. “Athletes Unlimited can really help get our athletes ready for 2028, and that’s a big part of how I view this. To get the reps in, the competition … when you hear college pitchers talk about the step up in competition when they have to go against these long lineups that are so deep, and how hitters talk about the pitchers they have to face, we get it. That caliber of competition, everyone is excited about how this (AU initiative) will help us in 2028 and future years. All the other countries better look out.”
