LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Highlighted by half the 2026 Women’s College World Series field, the schedule has been revealed and tickets are available for the 24th NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic presented by MaxBP, Feb 11-14 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
WCWS national runner-up Texas Tech, semifinalist Tennessee, Mississippi State and Nebraska headline a premier four-day showcase of collegiate softball. There is a tournament-record 49 games on the opening weekend of NCAA DI softball. Additionally, California Baptist, Indiana, Jacksonville State, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin all represented their institutions in the NCAA postseason with the Hokies reaching a regional final.
New in 2027 is the addition of the “Elevate the Game Incentive” program, which was made possible by a recent generous $100,000 donation from Tracy and John Sellers. “Elevate the Game” is one of the NFCA’s core principles. The trailblazing incentive initiative will afford teams the ability to earn a financial award for their respective team based upon the NFCA’s purpose, core values, and mission. Over the four-day event, all participating programs are eligible to receive allocations, ensuring equal access to incentives regardless of conference affiliation or 2026 performance.
In addition to the tournament champion earning $50,000, there are more targeted incentives totaling $50,000 will be distributed across three distinct award tracks that align with the core NFCA pillars of “Innovate. Inspire. Coach”. “Innovate” rewards team statistical leaders (two offense & two defense), “Inspire” is presented to the program which best embodies sportsmanship, integrity, and the mission of the NFCA, and “Coach” is presented in recognition of outstanding coaching performance, strategic execution, and overall team leadership. For a more detailed structure of the allocations and how they will be determined, click on the link below.
Complete Schedule
(PDF) • Purchase Tickets • Tournament Central • Elevate the Game Incentive
Tickets are available for purchase through the City of Clearwater, Fla. Please note ticket prices will include tax and an additional third-party fee during the purchasing process.
Tournament merchandise is available for purchase in Wilson’s Official Tournament Store HERE (Use code caxzy2jk).
All games will be streamed live (free) on GameChanger’s App with contests on fields 8 and 9 featuring a dedicated broadcast team and multi-camera views. GameChanger, an NFCA Official Sponsor, is the official streaming provider of the Division I Leadoff. Returning for a fourth consecutive year, select games will be broadcast on MLB Network during the event with matchups, dates, and times to be determined and announced at a later date.
LIU and Mississippi State get things rolling on Feb. 11 at 3:00 p.m. followed by four more matchups at 6:00 p.m. Over the final three days, numerous highly-touted clashes are on the books during this highly-anticipated season-opening tournament. The previously-mentioned programs represent two of the 10 conferences showcased in this tournament, including a pair of HBCU programs in Bethune-Cookman (SWAC) and Tennessee State (OVC).
Prior to the opening games on Feb. 11, Major League Baseball, an Official Sponsor of the NFCA, will host its PLAY BALL event for the fourth consecutive year. PLAY BALL is MLB’s signature youth engagement activity that is featured in events all around the United States and Canada. More information on the program, as well as future event updates, can be found at www.PlayBall.org.
In 2026, Tennessee posted a perfect 5-0 mark and became just the fourth program to win more than one Leadoff Classic. This marks the ninth tournament in Clearwater (2012-14, 2020, 2023-27). The first 15 tournaments were held in Columbus, Ga., from 1996 through 2010. Michigan has captured the most Leadoff titles with three, while the Lady Vols, Louisiana and Washington (won the inaugural in 1996) have won twice.
2027 participating teams: Auburn • Bethune-Cookman • California Baptist • Indiana • Jacksonville State • Liberty • LIU • Mississippi State • NC State • Nebraska • North Carolina • Northwestern • Notre Dame • Tennessee • Tennessee State • Texas Tech • Virginia Tech • Wisconsin
Division I Leadoff Classic champions
2026 – Tennessee; 2025 – Kentucky; 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
*2006 & 2009 tournaments were rained out
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded Leadoff Classic tournaments, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from webinars to awards, to in-person and virtual events, and a National Convention.
Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining over 7,000 coaches today!
