The Oklahoma City Spark has joined Women’s Professional Fastpitch as its newest addition, marking the league’s third franchise slated to debut in the summer of 2023.
The Spark’s owners are Tina and Robert Floyd, two business owners and Oklahoma natives. They hand their hat on investing in education state-wide, and most recently, providing female student-athletes opportunities post-graduation.
Tina is a diehard Oklahoma softball fan, and loves supporting female sports; this is right up her alley.
“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.”
The league’s Commissioner, Lauren Chamberlain, played for the Sooners softball team from 2012 to 2015 and has had her eyes fixated on the Sooner state for quite some time.
“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 do not doubt that it will do the same with the Spark.”
Tina Floyd is also the first female owner in WPF’s history.
“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 has been and will maintain its position as perhaps the biggest basketball hub in the country, especially with the addition of the sparks.
Sooner softball Head Coach Patty Gasso concurs.
“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.”
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Outstanding!