National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) announced a unique milestone this week, as pitcher Paige Lowary became its first player to sign an On Player Ad Location (OPAL) partnership. This is the result of Lowary’s partnership with BreakThrew Fastpitch for the 2019 NPF season.
The OPAL program was launched by the league in December and designed specifically to subsidize player salaries with at least 90% of the revenue paid directly to the athletes themselves. The OPAL program clears the way for individuals and companies to directly support the efforts of players to continue their professional careers.
“I am so excited to partner with Myndie Berka and BreakThrew Fastpitch,” said Chicago Bandits pitcher, Paige Lowary. “I worked with Myndie as a kid, and it’s so cool to see this come full circle. The OPAL program has already started giving players in the NPF opportunities to partner with companies, and it mutually benefits everyone involved! I can’t wait to get back to Chicago this summer and play with an extra special representation on my arm.”
“The OPAL program has given me, as a small business owner & softball fan, a real way to support the NPF, the Chicago Bandits, and specifically Paige Lowary,” commented BreakThrew Fastpitch owner, Myndie Berka. “From a small-town Iowa girl, to an NCAA National Champion, to the #1 Draft Pick in the NPF, Paige is such a big role model for so many young softball players with big dreams. It will be so much fun for the pitchers in my training programs to get the opportunity to access Paige, be inspired by her, and learn from her.”
National Pro Fastpitch, in its 16th year, is comprised of 6 teams and anticipates exposure of brands on players to reach millions of consumers in the 2019 season. The complete regular season schedule of approximately 150 games, will feature autograph sessions and skills camps in-venue, while also being streamed live to millions more viewers in over 100 countries. Additionally, the league will launch a new highlights and news package in 2019 that will be featured on popular social platforms and websites.
“From a team and league standpoint, we will continue to provide exposure opportunities for players, our league and team partners, and now, the OPAL partners,” commented Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “These combined efforts are the formula for success in the continued growth of professional fastpitch.”