Sports
The two-time gold medalist and longtime ESPN analyst, Michele Smith, will lead the six-team league into its 2027 season and visit Pensacola for the Florida Vibe welcome party at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Nov. 16.
Michele Smith has been named commissioner of the Professional Softball League (PSL), the women’s professional fastpitch league that is preparing for its 2027 season. Smith is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a National Softball Hall of Famer and an ESPN analyst for more than 30 years.
She is scheduled to attend the Florida Vibe Welcome Party at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Nov. 16, according to the league’s announcement.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to help build a league where talented women can continue competing at the highest level, where fans can connect with these incredible athletes, and where young girls can see a future for themselves in professional softball.”
What Smith will do
Unify six independent teams. The PSL recently announced a six-team structure and new strategic investment. The teams are the Florida Vibe, Knoxville Miracle, St. Louis Gateway Gold, Atlanta Smoke, Kansas City Diamonds and Birmingham Iron. Each is independently owned. Smith will work with the owners to bring them together under one league structure.
Set standards and build relationships. According to the announcement, her duties include:
- Establishing shared standards across the teams
- Strengthening operations and supporting players
- Building relationships with fans, sponsors and communities
- Helping teams deepen local connections and inspire young athletes
Play a 40-game season. The six teams will compete in a 40-game season in 2027, ending with the PSL Championship.
Her résumé
- Olympics: Helped Team USA win gold medals in 1996 and 2000
- Professional career: Played 16 seasons in Japan, earning eight league championships and eight MVP awards
- Broadcasting: More than 30 years as an ESPN analyst
- Honors: National Softball Hall of Famer
The local angle
Quint Studer, chairman and CEO of Community Sports Partners, a strategic ownership and operating partner of the league, praised the choice. “She knows what players need to succeed, she knows how to connect with fans, and she has spent much of her career helping to grow the game,” Studer said.
Ryan Moore, owner of the Florida Vibe, said he has worked with Smith and called her a tremendous ambassador for softball at every level. “I can’t think of a better person to help lead the PSL,” Moore said.
What’s still unknown: The league says details on rosters, the schedule, venues, media plans, partnerships and player development will be announced as plans are finalized. The announcement does not say where the Florida Vibe will play its home games.
Players, fans and prospective partners can sign up for league updates at professionalsoftballleague.com.