NFCA Leadoff Classic Reveals Full Broadcast Coverage
MLB Network and GameChanger to broadcast each game of 17-team tournament
Posted On: February 6, 2024 By :The 2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic, which starts Thursday at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Florida, will have three games broadcast live on MLB Network and every pitch of the tournament will be streamed as well throughout the weekend.
“Thanks to our official sponsors GameChanger and MLB, we are thrilled to bring every pitch of the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic Tournament free to the softball community,” said NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “GameChanger is a trusted livestream name in the softball space and is dedicated to providing a first-class experience to our viewers. Additionally, we feel honored to have our Saturday tripleheader be the first live softball games ever broadcast on MLB Network. This opportunity will showcase our exciting sport and expand our reach to a new audience.”
MLB Network will show Utah against Notre Dame at 1 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday as well as Liberty against Marshall at 4 p.m., followed by Clemson against Oregon at 7 p.m. As the sole streaming provider, GameChanger will run video livestreams for all 43 contests (six fields), through the free GameChanger app.
“We’re thrilled to broadcast live softball on MLB Network for the first time in our 15-year history,” said MLB Network President Bill Morningstar. “Partnering with the NFCA to showcase the Leadoff Classic on a national stage perfectly aligns with Major League Baseball’s ongoing commitment to grow youth softball and baseball and it accomplishes our goal to present new content that engages and excites our fans.”
The 2024 field will feature 17 programs from 12 conferences. Every participant competed in their conference tournament a year ago, with nine advancing to the 2023 NCAA Regionals. Clemson, Oregon and Utah all claimed regional titles with the Utes capturing their first Super Regional series and participating in their first WCWS since 1994. Along with those three teams, participants this year include Army West Point, Central Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Liberty, Missouri, Missouri State, North Carolina Central, North Carolina State, Notre Dame, South Alabama, St. John’s and Western Kentucky. Last year’s tournament was won by Tennessee.
“GameChanger is proud to be at the forefront of advancing softball coverage,” said GameChanger President Sameer Ahuja. “Our commitment to the sport runs deep and we believe in making every game accessible to fans and players alike through dynamic video coverage. Alongside NFCA and MLB, we will continue to champion the visibility of the sport and bring the excitement of softball to an ever-expanding audience.”
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