The Missouri Tigers will open the 2024 season, next weekend at the NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla. (Photo: Thomas Grove)
Paige Dale Staff Writer
The University of Missouri softball team’s 2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic game against Liberty on Saturday, February 10, will be televised live on MLB Network, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced this week.
The Tigers will face Liberty, next Saturday at 3 p.m., on Field 9 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla., in their third game at the season-opening tournament.
Missouri’s contest with the Lady Flames will be the second in a tripleheader of games broadcast on MLB Network on February 10. Utah takes on Notre Dame at noon, to start the coverage, while Clemson and Oregon will round out the action at 6 p.m.
“We’re thrilled to broadcast live softball on MLB Network for the first time in our 15-year history,” MLB Network president Bill Morningstar said. “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.”
To watch the tripleheader of games on MLB Network, viewers can visit www.mlbnetwork.com for their local channel listings.
Mizzou’s four other NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic games will also be streamed on GameChanger, through the GameChanger app (free), which you can watch on your phone, tablet and desktop. Click on the Tournament Central link for all team links and directions on how to watch.
Games on Fields 1 through 4 at the 2024 NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic will feature a single camera live feed through the GameChanger app.
Contests on Fields 8 & 9 will feature a multi-camera broadcast with play-by-play and analysis through the GameChanger app, including Missouri’s final NFCA Division I Leadoff Classic game on Sunday, February 11 against Clemson at 9 a.m.
As the sole streaming provider, NFCA Official Sponsor GameChanger will run video livestreams for all 43 contests (six fields) over the Classic, February 8-11 at the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater, Fla.
“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 Executive Director Carol Bruggeman. “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.
“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.”
