Oklahoma City, OK --- The Oklahoma City Spark joins Women’s Professional Fastpitch as its newest franchise, with its debut season planned for 2023. This is WPF’s third franchise in its first year of operation.
OKC Spark is owned by Tina and Robert Floyd, both of whom are successful business owners and Oklahoma natives. They are known for helping drive economic development in Oklahoma, investing in education state-wide, and now providing female student-athletes opportunities postgraduation.
This new chapter is close to Tina’s heart, as a longtime University of Oklahoma softball supporter and steady champion for women.
“Oklahoma City is a wonderful community-driven environment that will foster these young ladies in all their endeavors,” says Floyd. “As the softball capital of the world, I cannot dream of a better fit for a professional softball team than Oklahoma City.”
Commissioner Lauren Chamberlain has had her eyes set on an Oklahoma City franchise since her playing days in Norman. In her first year as Commissioner, Chamberlain gets to check the box on a decade-long vision.
“Signing the dotted line on an Oklahoma City team has been a literal dream come true,” says Chamberlain. “If you live here (Oklahoma), chances are you’re a softball fan. To give our young girls the opportunity to witness the professionals of our sport is priceless. We see how Oklahoma supports softball, and I have no doubt that it will do the same with the Spark.”
Tina Floyd is also the first female owner in WPF’s history and sets the tone for the future of professional softball.
“Not only is this a win for our athletes, but a win for women in general,” Chamberlain explains. “The more women in ownership positions, the more doors open for those next in line. Tina is an incredible force and is without a doubt the type of owner that represents what WPF is all about.”
Oklahoma City maintains its reputation as one of the biggest softball hubs in the country, and the addition of a professional softball team continues to elevate the city’s softball presence. University of Oklahoma Softball’s six-time National Champion head coach Patty Gasso agrees.
“Where else would you want a professional softball team besides the softball capital of the world, Oklahoma City?” Gasso asks. “Thanks to Tina and Robert Floyd for their continued commitment to the sport of softball. As our sport continues to grow at a fast pace, we celebrate the opportunity to continue following the careers of many elite collegiate athletes with so much more to give.”
For updates and more information on the Oklahoma City Spark, follow the team on Instagram and Twitter @okcityspark.
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