Latest news with #Patricof
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Athletes Unlimited Softball League's partnership with MLB will help 'shine light' on stars
Athletes Unlimited Softball League's partnership with MLB will help 'shine light' on stars Show Caption Hide Caption Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady and Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens lead WCWS players to watch The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson highlights several Women's College World Series key players to watch. The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is officially set to debut in early June and a major donor is going to bat for the women's professional softball league: Major League Baseball. MLB and the AUSL announced a wide-ranging partnership on Thursday, marking MLB's first investment in a women's professional sports league. The partnership coincides with an exciting time in the sport — not only is the 2025 Women's College World Series set to begin Thursday, softball is set to make its Olympic return in Los Angeles in 2028. "This announcement today is really a watershed moment for the AUSL,"Athletes Unlimited CEO and co-founder Jon Patricof told USA TODAY Sports. "For us, the sport has tremendous momentum in many ways. It's been a sleeping giant. It's performed so well at the college level, but maybe received less attention than some other sports out there. Major League Baseball is really going to be able to come in and help us shine a light on the incredible athletes and incredible action that exists in pro softball." Not only does the AUSL have the support of MLB, the women's professional softball league will be shepherded by icons that have helped introduce the world to softball. "We brought on board almost all the legends of the game, including seven members of the 2004 gold medal-winning Olympic softball team involved as coaches, general managers and advisors," Patricof said, referring to Lisa Fernandez (Talons GM), Stacey Nuveman-Deniz (Bandits head coach), Cat Osterman (Volts GM, advisor), Kelly Kretschman (Volts head coach), Jennie Finch (advisor), Jessica Mendoza (advisor) and Natasha Watley (advisor). Patricof added, "Kim Ng is on board as the commissioner and now Major League Baseball is on board as a strategic partner." Here's everything you need to know about the AUSL's partnership with MLB: MLB partnership will amplify pro softball league The AUSL's inaugural season kicks off June 7 and will feature four teams — Talons, Bandits, Blaze and Volts — playing a 24-game season across 10 cities, including Chicago, Austin and Salt Lake City. The AUSL season will complement the league's pre-existing All-Star Cup, where 60 players compete for an individual championship using Athletes Unlimited's innovative scoring system that makes every softball play meaningful. Athletes Unlimited's creativity is what first caught MLB's eye. Tony Reagins, MLB's Chief Baseball Development Officer, told USA TODAY Sports that Athletes Unlimited offered "something that was a bit different" and "unique." "We've really been watching the organization from afar for a couple years. We watched how they operated the business — very creative initially in the softball space, utilizing their players and getting the players more involved in different ways on and off the field," Reagins said. "We wanted to align ourselves with an organization that we thought had a like mind in the long-term goal of promoting women's sports, softball in particular, and Athletes Unlimited really checked all the boxes." With the partnership, MLB will leverage its broadcast partners and platforms to promote the visibility of the AUSL. Major League Baseball's financial investment will also assist with AUSL's "operational costs and key growth initiatives," MLB announced. Patricof added, "The MLB is going to be supporting AUSL really in all facets, marketing, promotion, and commercial development of the league." AUSL taps Kim Ng as commissioner Kim Ng was named the commissioner of the AUSL in April, highlighting another tie between professional softball and baseball. Ng played college softball at the University of Chicago and went on to become the first woman to serve as the general manager of a major North American men's professional sports team when she was named the Miami Marlins GM in 2020. "To see what she's been able to accomplish as a professional and an executive in baseball and now be able to take the reins as commissioner of AUSL is exciting, because I know her work ethic, intellect and what she will put behind this effort," Reagins said. "These discussions (between AUSL and MLB) happened before Kim was named commissioner. But to then have Kim come on board and have that familiar face that you know from a historical perspective, it made the partnership make even more sense. We think we have a great ally with Kim being at the helm of AUSL." At the time of her appointment, Ng said, 'Softball was my first love growing up, so it's both gratifying and humbling to be given this responsibility at such a pivotal moment for the sport." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
2025 Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship: New Cities & Stars
2025 Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Championship Athletes Unlimited Athletes Unlimited has unveiled a rebrand of its exclusive, invite-only Pro Volleyball Championship, which will feature 44 of the world's top players competing for the sport's ultimate title. Hosted in two of the most volleyball-obsessed cities — Omaha, Nebraska (October 1–15) and Madison, Wisconsin (October 22–November 3) — the five-week tournament brings a high-intensity, fresh format to fans, with matchups designed to deliver the highest talent and championship-level action. Fifteen matches will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN platforms, with additional streaming partners to be announced. With a bold new identity and logo developed in collaboration with creative agency Doubleday & Cartwright, the AU Pro Volleyball Championship builds on Athletes Unlimited's legacy of innovation since its 2021 debut. Athletes Unlimited's vision for the Pro Volleyball Championship represents a significant stake in women's professional volleyball, with a commitment to providing a platform where the world's best athletes can compete at the highest level. As Jon Patricof, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletes Unlimited, shared, 'It represents our investment and continued belief in the massive opportunity that exists around women's professional volleyball in the United States. We hold a very unique position in the marketplace, and this new chapter really crystallizes that position—as the place where the best players from around the world come to compete every fall.' The selection of Omaha and Madison as host cities was driven by the passionate volleyball fanbases in both cities and the strong local support, ensuring the championship resonates not only with core volleyball fans but with sports enthusiasts across the country and around the world. 'There was immense demand from cities across the country to host the championship. At the end of the day, Omaha and Madison stood out because of their passionate fan bases and the enthusiasm and cooperation from the cities and our local hosts,' said Patricof. 'This is a pivotal moment where we want to solidify our position—not just among core volleyball fans, which we know we'll find in Omaha and Madison—but also with sports fans across the country and around the world.' Fans can reserve their seats now — series ticket deposits are open for both Omaha and Madison. Manami Kojima Photo credit: Athletes Unlimited Athletes Unlimited With an impressive roster filled with Olympians and international stars, Cassidy Lichtman, VP of Volleyball at Athletes Unlimited, is enthusiastic about what fans can expect, noting, 'It's going to be a very high level of play. Our format also makes it incredibly competitive — our slogan is 'Every Moment Counts,' and that's truly the case. Every play matters and is scored, which creates a nonstop competitive atmosphere.' Olympic medalists Micha Hancock, Jordan Thompson, Justine Wong-Orantes, and Natalia Zilio Pereira will take the AU court, joining defending champion Brittany Abercrombie in a stacked roster of international and domestic stars. Among the early wave of announced athletes are Olympians from five nations, including: Lorenne Teixeira (Brazil), Manami Kojima (Japan), Natalia Valentin-Anderson (Puerto Rico), and Betty De La Cruz (Dominican Republic), as well as local heroes and fan favorites like Wong-Orantes, Valentin-Anderson, Sydney Hilley, and Claire Chaussee. Standout NCAA All-Americans such as Madi Bugg, Dani Drews, Skylar Fields, Serena Gray, Claire Hoffman, and Molly McCage will also compete, alongside international firepower including Heydi Casanova (Cuba) and Pornpun Guedpard and Piyanut Pannoy (Thailand). Lichtman compares the intensity of the competition to the playoff energy that fans are familiar with, adding, "You're watching athletes who never take a point off. It's similar to the intensity of playoff sports — except it's every game. That's really fun for fans. You're seeing the best in the world — from the U.S., Brazil, Thailand, the Dominican Republic — all competing at full throttle in a format that's different from what they're used to." This unique format, combined with the sheer talent on display, is sure to create an unforgettable experience for fans. Athletes Unlimited's signature scoring system further elevates the competition. Players earn points not only through team victories but also through individual performances, with the leaderboard constantly evolving. Each week, the top four athletes become team captains, drafting new rosters, and culminating in one overall champion at season's end. This innovative structure adds layers of excitement and strategy, giving fans something to look forward to each week. CEO Jon Patricof weighed in on the impact of this dynamic format: "The competition around the individual championship and our scoring system, along with the redrafting of teams, has been incredibly successful. We've seen this format adopted by college and youth programs, and it's something both fans and athletes love. We believe all volleyball fans will want to tune in to see who will be crowned the individual champion of volleyball." Micha Hancock, an elite setter for the United States Women's National Volleyball Team, is no stranger to high-stakes competition. Having led Penn State to back-to-back national championships in 2013 and 2014, Hancock is a player with an extensive record of success at the highest levels of the sport. As the AU Pro Volleyball Championship makes its debut, Hancock reflects on what drew her to play in the tournament. "I'm in a place where I'm hungry for more volleyball, and AU has such a different structure that I was really curious to see what it would be like. At this point in my career, staying active and competing at a high level is important—and this felt like a win-win." The AU Pro Volleyball Championship's unique format, where players earn individual points and draft new teams each week, poses new challenges for Hancock. As a setter, building chemistry with new teammates every round is a key part of the game. "It's definitely a challenge, but that's part of what makes it exciting," she says. "There's so much variety in who you're playing with, and the weekly draft makes you think differently. Communication has to be at an all-time high, and it really pushes you to figure out quickly who you gel with—whether their style works with yours, and vice versa." In this fast-paced environment, Hancock will focus on observing her teammates closely to make quick adjustments. "As a setter, I'll be watching closely—trying to see how hitters move, how they like the ball, and making adjustments fast. I've watched past AU seasons and seen some of my former teammates play, so I'm really looking forward to jumping in and figuring it all out firsthand." Reflecting on the competitive nature of the Championship, Hancock recognizes the mental and physical demands it will place on all players. "Any event at this level is going to be a challenge—mentally and physically. The format is unique, especially with the three-game structure. I haven't played that way in a while, but it'll be cool to experience." With top talent from around the world, the Championship will bring together diverse styles of play. Hancock is excited by the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the sport. "There's new talent coming in, and a lot of elite players from different backgrounds. The format, the scoring, the rotations—everything's just a little different, and I'm going in with an open mind and high hopes." As the landscape of professional volleyball evolves, Hancock reflects on the growing opportunities for athletes. "There's no one 'right way' to play pro volleyball. For a long time, I got caught up in trying to follow the right path. But the reality is, having three—maybe even four—leagues running right now gives athletes options. If playing professionally is what you want to do, go for it. I'm excited to be part of the AU Pro Volleyball Championship and to compete in front of great fans." 'As the first modern professional women's volleyball league to launch in the U.S. back in 2021, Athletes Unlimited is proud of the role it has played in advancing the sport,' said Cassidy Lichtman, Vice President of Volleyball at Athletes Unlimited. 'We're now thrilled to introduce this new iteration of our competition, which will bring together top players from the best domestic and international leagues.' 'We're incredibly excited,' added AU co-founder and CEO Jon Patricof. 'Not only will these games air on ESPN, but they'll also be broadcast globally. We're focused on making the matches accessible to fans everywhere. With top-tier talent from the U.S. and around the world, there's a massive appetite for more elite volleyball, and we're committed to meeting that demand.' The AU Pro Volleyball Championship is a flagship initiative of Athletes Unlimited, which was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. Its Advisory Board includes some of the biggest names in sports—Karch Kiraly, Sheryl Swoopes, Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, Abby Wambach, and Kevin Durant—exemplifying AU's mission to lead with athlete-driven innovation and elevate the game.
Forbes
23-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Changing The Game: Kim Ng Leading Athlete Unlimited's Expansion In Pro Softball
Athletes Unlimited (AU) named Kim Ng their first commissioner of Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) last week tapping into Ng's vast experience as a general manager and trail blazer in the MLB. Athletes Unlimited, a company providing women's professional sports in an untraditional gamified scoring format as well as their weekly leaderboard, has added a traditional softball league format (AUSL) to their roster of offerings that will launch June 7. Ng's leadership at the helm of the league is accompanied by advisors, general managers and head coaches that have had a wide reach and influence in the game of softball and for Team USA including: Jenny Finch, Jessica Mendoza, and Natasha Watley as senior advisors to the league; Lisa Fernandez, Cat Osterman, Dana Sorenson and Jenny Dalton-Hill to serve as GMs; and Howard Dobson, Stacey Nuveman-Deniz, Kelly Kretschman, and Alisa Goler named as head coaches. As well as the league will feature AU fan favorite players: Maya Brady and Meghan Faraimo (UCLA), Lexi Kilfoyl (OSU), Montana Fouts (Alabama), and Odicci Alexander (JMU). Ng is no stranger to leading large sport organizations into new territories. Ng worked in the MLB League Office as the Senior VP of Baseball Operations as well as served as an assistant general manager for both the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. Ng was appointed the first woman and Asian American general manager in MLB history when she joined the Miami Marlins in 2020, leading the team to its first playoff berth in 2023 in 20 years. This vast experience was what made Athletes Unlimited Co-Founder Jon Patricof target Ng to join and led their new league. He said, 'I think Kim is a world class sports executive. She brings so much experience, both at the league level and at the team level, and she's someone who can move effortlessly between boardrooms and the locker rooms. Bringing that together is it's hard to find, and she's really a very unique individual who meets those requirements. I always hoped she would be willing to sign on as commissioner. She was top of the list from the beginning, and we're really ecstatic that she has decided now to sign on and that we could get her.' For Patricof, Ng was an intentional and calculated hire as he met her in 2019 and begin talking about collaborating with Athletes Unlimited during its infancy while Ng was still with the MLB. When needing to hire a commissioner for his new league, Patricof went after Ng but she turned down the offer the first time due to timing. However, Patricof, described the story stating. 'I let a couple weeks go by, and then I called her back and I said, 'Listen, I can't take no for an answer. We need you. You have got to get involved here. And took my call and was willing to talk. And we spoke a few more times and I was able to convince her to come on board at that time as a senior advisor.' That senior advisor role soon morphed into taking charge of the direction, growth, and operation of the league as the commissioner, officially named into the position on April 16. Patricof has already seen the payoff in having Ng as a senior advisor and now commissioner for AUSL, he stated, 'I think the Kim has figured out a way to really bring in more traditional roles but infuse the kind of innovative spirit of AU behind them. I think that's been a huge piece for us. She's worked so incredibly well with the players. I think that she has a very keen sense of what's driving them, what's motivating them, and how to best meet them where they are. She is also working with me incredibly closely across all the commercial aspects of the league. Kim is somebody, again, who can go very high level and strategic, but also really likes to roll her sleeves up and get into the get into the details and into the weeds. And so that's what's needed if you're at a startup, right? And given where we are with AU, with this new venture, she's proven that she's willing and very capable of doing the hard work. She's also an incredible intellect. There are not many people you meet, who you know are as smart or sharp as Kim. And again, it's incredibly valuable, because so much of what we're doing is blazing new paths and in that you need someone who has that vision and is comfortability with uncertainty, and Kim has proven that she is really good in those situations.' Ng coming on was a combination of seeing Patricof and fellow Co-Founder Jonathan Soros vision in the establishment and investment into AU, the timing and momentum of women's sports as a whole, and the excitement to fight for a new group of women athletes, 'For someone like me, who fought for women my entire career for all of us to have a seat at the table and to be included when we should be, to see all of this now crescendo to a point for these women athletes, I think, is just remarkable for me, and I wanted to be a part of it. And I think to be able to influence the narrative, and to be able to be able to influence the platform, and the opportunity for these athletes is just really exciting.' For founders Patricof and Soros, Athletes Unlimited (AU), and particularly softball, has led to a new opportunity to take a league on the road to different cities throughout the country. Over the past four years, AU has offered softball in its tournament style competition, in quick season formats, in a single location in Rosemont, Illinois, right outside of Chicago. This format has paid off for the company, but as Patricof explained there was prospect to expand, 'We've watched the opportunity in women's pro softball grow and the demand, and we really want to now reach out beyond to new markets, expand the number of games and really fill what we see as a huge void in the landscape for pro women softball.' AUSL will also have a broadcasting partnership with ESPN that will air 33 games on their platform including 30 on linear TV, this is a staple for AU and its leagues. The league will travel intentionally around the country playing series in Rosemont, Illinois, Wichita, Kansas, Sulphur, Louisiana, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Norman, Oklahoma, Omaha, Nebraska, Seattle, Washington, Salt Lake City, Utah, Round Rock, Texas, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. AUSL will focus on providing depth in storytelling revolving around the athletes; this will be front and center as it has been in their other leagues and formats. However, both Patricof and Ng know for this league to succeed they must tap into the popularity and growth of women's collegiate softball and bring those fans to AUSL. One of those strategies that has gone viral as of late was a marketing strategy invented by Cheri Kempf, vice president of AU, called the golden ticket. Ng and other front office staff have been traveling across the US as of late to Division I softball programs awarding collegiate softball players a golden ticket invitation to play as draftees in AUSL this summer. Ng feels this is an incredibly intentional strategy to capture collegiate fans and bring them to AUSL this summer, she recalls an experience awarding the second golden ticket at Duke University to Ana Gold, 'I presented the second ticket at Duke, and we were hidden in this little tunnel near the field. I took like, five steps out just to see what was going on in the game and someone from the stands above said, 'oh, we got a golden ticket. We got a golden ticket.' And so, the idea that this was just the second time we were doing it, and a fan knew what that was, I thought that spoke volumes about the reach that the golden ticket had already had.' So far the league has given golden tickets out to Virginia Tech's Emma Lempley, Gold, Texas A&M's Emily Kennedy, Arizona Wildcat Devyn Netz, Akansas's Bri Ellis, and Florida Gator Korbe Otis. Additionally, Ng believes with the growth in viewership related to the Women's College World Series last year that saw an increase of 24%, as well as the overall growth of women's sports coupled with the US hosting the Olympics in 2028 seeing softball's return to the games, 'AU is definitely filling that gap' and has a chance to 'gather momentum for AUSL to be catapulted.' Growth and success for AUSL in their first season will be highly measured by the fans response to the product, their continued television relationship with ESPN that is looking for consistent numbers across the season, as well as tapping into established larger softball markets around the country to drive awareness and popularity for the new league as it looks to establish home cities and teams after year one. Patricof explained, 'I think that first and most important indication, especially with this expansion on a national basis, is to see great fan response around the country. We want people coming to games in person. That in person attendance helps drive a great product on television. We're going to some substantially larger venues, and so we want to see great crowds.' Patricof expanded explaining that the league has already started to exceed expectations as they were only planning to visit eight markets this summer and have expanded to 12, 'Our original plan was to go to eight markets this summer. We're going to be in 12. So that, in large part, was due to the response, like overwhelming responses from cities around the country.' The sites were specifically chosen due to their strong softball fandom but also the ability to be good partners to the league from a marketing and operational standpoint. For Ng, as she prepares for the season to begin in June, it is about leaving 'no stone unturned' which includes meticulously analyzing marketing, ticket sales, fan experience, and athlete experience within the new league. AUSL presents a new and different challenge compared to years in the MLB for Ng, she said, 'When I was in baseball I think a lot of those things were just turnkey, because it was a very established, mature system. We all had our roles. We knew what those were. There really weren't a whole lot of surprises, in the bigger context, whereas, with more of a startup situation, I think you have to have more foresight, and you have to think worst case scenario all the time and then be prepared to deal with those scenarios. It is very different from what I'm used to, but also really exciting, because I think the upside is just so enormous.' The first game of AUSL will take place in Rosemont, Illinois, the site where AU and AUX softball has been played the last four years, on June 7 between the Talons and Bandits. Follow me on X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Fox Sports
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Athletes Unlimited names former MLB executive Kim Ng its softball league's commissioner
Associated Press Former Major League Baseball executive Kim Ng has been named commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Ng is the former general manager of the Miami Marlins and has three World Series rings from a combined 21 years in the front offices of the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The AUSL brought Ng on as a senior adviser to get the league off the ground for its first year, and she helped hire the general managers and coaches. Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof decided after watching her deliver for six months that she deserved a permanent role. 'I think this is truly one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the sport here in the United States, and certainly for Athletes Unlimited,' Patricof said. 'Kim is probably the biggest executive addition we've made to the team since the founding of the company. She is a universally known and well-regarded executive. To have her join us as commissioner, honestly is massive. A massive win.' The AUSL will feature four teams playing a 24-game season in a traditional league, starting on June 7. The teams will tour the country in the league's first season before becoming city-based next year. Ng said being named commissioner is significant, but the title isn't as important as the opportunity. 'Having this be a project and then sort of blossom into this position has been has been a lot of fun,' she said. 'It's been a process.' Instead of having two individual championship seasons, Athletes Unlimited now will crown an individual champion and a traditional team champion. After the initial AUSL season ends, Athletes Unlimited will feature its AUSL All-Star Cup, the former AU Pro Softball Championship Season that has crowned individual champions since 2020. Even with the success the individual format has brought Athletes Unlimited, establishing a league with a traditional format has become a priority with the blessing of USA Softball as the preparation for the sport's return at the 2028 Summer Olympics ramps up. Ng already has things moving ahead of schedule. Originally, the league was set to tour in up to eight cities this season. That number has increased to 10. 'There was just such great interest in the league, in AUSL and what we're putting together,' she said. 'So, we originally started out, you know with the mindset of six to eight different markets. As we engaged in dozens and dozens of conversations with sports commissions ... different government officials across the country, it became really apparent that there was a great desire for AUSL to become a part of their community.' Patricof said naming Ng commissioner is a byproduct of growth in the sport. He said it's the kind of move that eventually could help put the league in the same category as the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League. 'A lot of work gets done over a long period of time, and then it's a few things that really serve as the rocket fuel and the catalyst for dramatic growth, and I think that's what you're seeing right now,' he said. recommended
Associated Press
16-04-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Athletes Unlimited names former MLB executive Kim Ng its softball league's commissioner
Former Major League Baseball executive Kim Ng has been named commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Ng is the former general manager of the Miami Marlins and has three World Series rings from a combined 21 years in the front offices of the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. The AUSL brought Ng on as a senior adviser to get the league off the ground for its first year, and she helped hire the general managers and coaches. Athletes Unlimited co-founder Jon Patricof decided after watching her deliver for six months that she deserved a permanent role. 'I think this is truly one of the most pivotal moments in the history of the sport here in the United States, and certainly for Athletes Unlimited,' Patricof said. 'Kim is probably the biggest executive addition we've made to the team since the founding of the company. She is a universally known and well-regarded executive. To have her join us as commissioner, honestly is massive. A massive win.' The AUSL will feature four teams playing a 24-game season in a traditional league, starting on June 7. The teams will tour the country in the league's first season before becoming city-based next year. Ng said being named commissioner is significant, but the title isn't as important as the opportunity. 'Having this be a project and then sort of blossom into this position has been has been a lot of fun,' she said. 'It's been a process.' Instead of having two individual championship seasons, Athletes Unlimited now will crown an individual champion and a traditional team champion. After the initial AUSL season ends, Athletes Unlimited will feature its AUSL All-Star Cup, the former AU Pro Softball Championship Season that has crowned individual champions since 2020. Even with the success the individual format has brought Athletes Unlimited, establishing a league with a traditional format has become a priority with the blessing of USA Softball as the preparation for the sport's return at the 2028 Summer Olympics ramps up. Ng already has things moving ahead of schedule. Originally, the league was set to tour in up to eight cities this season. That number has increased to 10. 'There was just such great interest in the league, in AUSL and what we're putting together,' she said. 'So, we originally started out, you know with the mindset of six to eight different markets. As we engaged in dozens and dozens of conversations with sports commissions ... different government officials across the country, it became really apparent that there was a great desire for AUSL to become a part of their community.' Patricof said naming Ng commissioner is a byproduct of growth in the sport. He said it's the kind of move that eventually could help put the league in the same category as the Women's National Basketball Association and the National Women's Soccer League. 'A lot of work gets done over a long period of time, and then it's a few things that really serve as the rocket fuel and the catalyst for dramatic growth, and I think that's what you're seeing right now,' he said.
