Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and NAIA Ball Announce Exclusive Partnership for Coverage of League Baseball
NAIA Ball, a leading source for comprehensive coverage of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Baseball, proudly announces its partnership with the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). This marks NAIA Ball's inaugural collaboration of its kind, solidifying its commitment to providing unparalleled coverage of collegiate athletics at the NAIA level.
NAIA Ball has emerged as a prominent platform, initially gaining traction through social media and expanding into a fully-fledged website and online newsletter platform via Substack. NAIA Ball has become synonymous with in-depth coverage and analysis within the NAIA baseball community by offering weekly honors for players, teams, and upcoming series.
The partnership signifies a significant milestone for the GCAC and NAIA Ball, as both extend their reach and impact within collegiate athletics. This collaboration introduces exclusive features, including the designation of a conference game of the week and comprehensive coverage of the GCAC baseball championship. Through this initiative, NAIA Ball aims to elevate the visibility of GCAC schools and their achievements while furthering its mission to celebrate and promote NAIA athletics. The partnership kicks off April 1, 2024, with GCAC Games of the Week leading up to the GCAC 2024 Hope Credit Union Baseball Championship. Upon the championship's beginning, NAIA Ball will produce in-depth coverage of each participating team and the overall outlook on the tournament.
"This partnership represents an exciting opportunity for both NAIA Ball and the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference," remarked Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, Commissioner of the GCAC. "As our conference continues to expand, it's essential to align with partners who share our vision and can amplify our schools' accomplishments. NAIA Ball's dedication to comprehensive coverage makes them an ideal collaborator as we embark on this journey together."
NAIA Ball President Robby Gutierrez expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference in this pioneering venture. This partnership enhances the coverage of GCAC athletics and underscores our commitment to showcasing talent and achievements within the NAIA community. We look forward to delivering compelling content and engaging experiences to fans and followers alike."
It's important to note that NAIA Ball is an independent entity and is not affiliated with the NAIA. As a privately owned and operated organization, NAIA Ball is dedicated solely to covering NAIA Baseball.
For information about the GCAC, visit gcaconf.com. For information about NAIA Ball, visit naiaball.org.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Dani Wright, GCAC
(504) 321-3362
communications@gcaconf.com
Robby Gutierrez, NAIA Ball
(956) 789-7204
naiaballinfo@gmail.com
About NAIA Ball
NAIA Ball is a leading source for comprehensive coverage of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Baseball. Founded as a social media platform, NAIA Ball has evolved into a prominent website and online newsletter platform, offering in-depth analysis, weekly honors, and engaging content for NAIA baseball enthusiasts. NAIA Ball was started in 2017 by founder Cody Butler.
About Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC)
The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The GCAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Oakwood University (AL), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) and Wiley University (TX). In October 2023, the GCAC announced the addition of three schools beginning July 1, 2024: Stillman College (AL), Voorhees University (SC), and Wilberforce University (Ohio). GCAC sponsors championships in men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's outdoor track and field, women's volleyball, and baseball. In 2022, the GCAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. For more information visit www.gcaconf.com.
