2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic, nfca, gamechanger, mlb, Major League Baseball, mlb network

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Highlighted by three live contests on MLB Network for the second consecutive year, the NFCA, in partnership with GameChanger, revealed its broadcast and streaming schedule for the 2025 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MaxBPMaxBP, Feb. 6-9 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla. Softball fans from around the world will be able to watch every pitch for free during this 17-team tournament which kicks off the 2025 Division I softball season.

“For softball coaches, student-athletes, and fans there is nothing more exciting than hearing the words 'Play Ball!' at the start of the season," said NFCA CEO Carol Bruggeman. "Thanks to our Official Sponsors GameChanger and MLB, we are thrilled to bring every pitch of the 2025 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic Tournament presented by Max BP FREE to the softball community. GameChanger is a trusted livestream provider 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 broadcast on MLB Network for the second consecutive year. This opportunity will showcase our exciting sport and expand our reach to a broader audience."

As the sole streaming provider, NFCA Official Sponsor GameChanger will run video livestreams for all 44 contests (six fields), through the GameChanger app (free), which you can watch on your phone, tablet and desktop. Click on the Tournament Central link below for all team links and directions on how to watch.

Download GameChanger AppDownload GameChanger App | Schedule (PDF) | Purchase TicketsPurchase Tickets | Tournament Central

“Partnering with the NFCA and MLB for another year allows us to bring families, fans, and athletes closer to every pitch, play, and unforgettable moment of this incredible tournament,” said Sameer Ahuja, President of GameChanger. “The passion and energy of the softball community inspire us every day, and we’re proud to play a role in making the game more accessible to fans across the country who share in this love for the sport. It’s an exciting moment for softball, and we’re thrilled to help shine a spotlight on its talent, heart, and spirit to an even broader audience.” 

Back for a second year, NFCA Official Sponsor Major League Baseball will team up with GameChanger and the Association to broadcast three games, Saturday, Feb. 8, on MLB Network.

This year’s lineup opens with a 2024 Super Regional rematch between Missouri and Duke at 1:00 p.m., followed by Nebraska versus Texas Tech at 4:00 p.m. with the potential head-to-head matchup between NFCA All-America pitchers Jordy Bahl and NiJaree Canady. It concludes at 7:00 p.m. with Tennessee taking on Northwestern, who have combined for 14 Women’s College World Series appearances, most recently in 2022 and 2023, respectively. 

“Following last year’s groundbreaking success of carrying live softball on MLB Network for the first time, we’re excited to continue the momentum with the NFCA in 2025,” said Marc Caiafa, MLB Network’s Senior Vice President of Production. “There’s no denying that youth softball and baseball continues to grow, so for us to nationally showcase some of the best collegiate teams in the entire country will make it a fantastic day on our air.”

To watch this tripleheader on MLB Network, viewers can visit www.mlbnetwork.comwww.mlbnetwork.com for their local channel listings. Last season’s three-game broadcast made history as the first live collegiate softball televised on MLB Network.

Please note that viewers who are unable to access the broadcasts on MLB Network, can still watch the games on the GameChanger app for free.

In addition to MLB Network broadcasts, these contests on Fields 8 & 9 will also feature a multi-camera broadcast with play-by-play and analysis. Those contests are listed below:

Friday, Feb. 7

5:00 p.m. - Mississippi State v. Texas Tech (Field 8) / Duke vs. Penn State (Field 9)
8:00 p.m. - Mississippi State v. Duke (Field 8) / Texas Tech v. Penn State (Field 9)

Saturday, Feb. 8

1:00 p.m. - Notre Dame v. Tennessee (Field 9)

4:00 p.m. - Duke v. Northwestern (Field 9)

7:00 p.m. – Iowa v. Texas Tech (Field 9) 

Sunday, Feb. 9

10:00 a.m. – Pittsburgh v. Tennessee (Field 8) / Duke v. Kentucky (Field 9)

Games on Fields 1 through 4 will feature a single camera live feed through the GameChanger app. Follow all our socials (nfcaorg) for tournament updates and information.

The 2025 field will feature 17 collegiate programs from eight different conferences. Highlighting the field are 2024 Women’s College World Series (WCWS) participant Duke and a pair of Super Regional programs in Missouri and Tennessee. The Tigers are the defending Leadoff champions. In all, 14 programs competed in their conference tournament a year ago, with a total of eight advancing to the 2024 NCAA Regionals.

2025 participating teams: Bethune-Cookman • Duke • Iowa •Kennesaw State • Kentucky • Marshall • Mississippi State • Missouri • Morgan State • Nebraska • Northwestern • Notre Dame • Penn State • Pittsburgh • Southern Miss • Tennessee • Texas Tech

Complete Schedule (PDF)

Division I Leadoff Classic champions
2024 – Missouri • 2023 –Tennessee • 2020 – Mississippi State • 2014 – Hofstra • 2013 – Louisiana
2012 – DePaul • 2010 – Illinois • 2008 – Michigan • 2007 – Georgia Tech & Michigan
2005 – Oklahoma • 2004 – LSU • 2003 – UMass • 2002 – Nebraska • 2001 – Stanford • 2000 – Washington
1999 – Louisiana • 1998 – Michigan • 1997 – South Carolina • 1996 – Washington

 

The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its competitive Leadoff Classics, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from a highly-regarded Awards Program to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.

Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of 7,000 coaches today!

NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MaxBP

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