Get Ready for NAGAAA CUP 2025!
April 26-27, 2025
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Getting To Know:
Memphis & The BCSA
MEMPHIS, TN — The 2025 NAGAAA Cup will take place in Memphis, Tennessee April 25-27 and the hometown queer softball community known as Bluff City Sports Association (BCSA) is ready for the approximately 45 teams and nearly 1,000 players, fans and organizers who will be participating.
But you might be wondering, how did a queer softball community pop up in Memphis, only the second largest city in a state that isn’t exactly known for lovingly embracing our community, and why is it hosting the NAGAAA Cup?
Well, to get to the answer, we went to the source, literally.
Chuck Saylor, NAGAAA Hall of Famer, is one of the OG co-founders of the BCSA, and like all good softball stories, he says it started in a bar.
“A bunch of us were at a Super Bowl party at The Pipeline (now “The Pumping Station”) and by the 4th quarter, we got bored with the blowout of a game and got started talking,” Saylor told me.
Initially the idea was to start a team of queer folks who would play in the city-run straight leagues. After a few weeks of “recruitment,” that included bar outreach, word-of-mouth, and impactful help from the local queer publication “The Triangle Journal,” Saylor said they had a practice with just under 20 people.
Only a few of those who showed up that first week knew that getting to third base was also a sports reference. The rest were pretty new to the sport, or any sport for that matter.
“It was like teaching a baby how to walk,” Saylor remembered fondly.
While it wasn’t for everyone, enough players stayed and others would join to make a team viable. So in mid-April 1993, when the Spring softball season for the City of Memphis was underway, they would have a new team, the Cruisers, to contend with.
“We wanted a name that gay people could identify but that would be a bit of a mystery to the straight people,” Saylor said.
The first few weeks of the season went fine, if lacking success. “We were having fun, but the games weren’t very close,” Saylor said.
That is, until midway through the season, all the stars aligned — bats and gloves came alive at the same time. The game ended with a Cruisers victory, 10-3, their first one as a team.
“You’d have thought we just won the world series,” Saylor recalled. “Most were celebrating by jumping and yelling and hugging each other like long-lost friends.”
That isn’t to say everything was peachy. It was still 1993, after all. Saylor said there were some not-so-nice comments every now and then, and they stung. But there was an angel who came to their aid.
Alinda Higgins was a Lesbian who had umpired softball games for the various leagues in Memphis for years. She was connected and respected. So when she got wind of the harassment that had been hurled at the Cruisers, she reached out to the head of the city’s Parks & Rec department. He then called every one of the managers in the league and said that their behavior was unacceptable and had to stop.
“It was great to know the city had our back,” Saylor said.
But 1993 would be the only year Cruisers would play in the straight leagues because one of the players heard of an entire gay league in Nashville.
After a few calls with Nashville’s then Commissioner, Harry Harrington, Saylor would take his team to the Music City to play in their first ever queer softball tournament, in September 1993. They had plenty of fun and made enough connections to create a symbiotic relationship.
Over the next couple of years, in 1994 and 1995, the team would travel to Nashville to play in their GSWS-qualifying season, and teams from Nashville would travel to Memphis.
After a few years of driving halfway across the state, Saylor said it was time to start a queer league just for Memphis.
Because of the support of The Triangle Journal, publishing frequent articles about the team and its travels, interest had grown and more teams wanted in.
In 1996, the Bluff City Sports Association was born.
The league would join the NAGAAA family in 1998.
This is the history that will soon be celebrated at the 2025 NAGAAA Cup. The memories of those first years will be visible in many of the event locations, so too will be the commitment made by the City of Memphis to the event.
First and foremost, the NAGAAA Cup is a softball tournament, one that brings the sports’ top athletes to compete from around North America.
For the event to be a success, it starts with the fields. Games will be played at USA Stadium (4351 Babe Howard Blvd) on the outskirts of Memphis, in Millington, TN. It’s a nine-field complex that was the former home of the US Olympic Team.
All nine fields boast turf infields and while three have grass outfields, six are turf. There will be no admission charge for those with NAGAAA Cup wristbands (available at check-in).
While you can’t bring in outside food or drinks, the concessions will be stocked with bottled water, soda, sports drinks, beer and seltzers.
And of course, each participant can bring in their own refillable water bottle, but only one per person.
The NAGAAA Cup events start on Friday night at The Pumping Station (1382 Poplar Ave, Memphis) with Player Check-In. Bring a photo ID and make sure to check-in (if you want to take the field the following day), and be sure pick up that participant wristband. Check-in will be available from 6 to 9 pm.
On Saturday games are slated to start early, but come Saturday night, players and fans are encouraged to visit the Pumping Station, DRUS Place (1474 Madison Ave, Memphis), or any of the must-sees in the city on a bluff, including the world-famous Beale Street.
On Sunday, the closing party will be held at Ghost River Brewery on South Main, which opens at 11 am. Awards ceremonies will start sometime after the last games have finished.
Brad McKinney, one of the main local organizers for the event, who also happens to be the BCSA Assistant Commissioner, is especially excited about Sunday’s event at Ghost River.
“It’s a great venue, with lots of indoor/outdoor space,” he said. And because it’s Memphis, “We’ll have live music for the closing party, which might be a NAGAAA Cup first.”
Said McKinney, “We’re trying to create an event where the players walk away thinking they’ve experienced something in Memphis that they’ve never experienced at a softball tournament before.”
Trophies will be somewhat of the traditional NAGAAA Cup theme, but with a decidedly Memphis flare. McKinney wouldn’t give more details but said they will be on display at Friday night’s opening party and check-in.
Also during the entire weekend, Ghost River Brewery will be offering drink specials at both locations (the brewery and their full bar on Beale street) to those with NAGAAA Cup wristbands.
For those arriving early, Memphis offers a ton of fun, interesting sites.
If you’re a gambler, across the Mississippi in Arkansas is the Southland Casino (1550 Ingram Blvd, West Memphis). While technically in another state, it’s just about 20 minutes away from the host hotel, the Downtown Doubletree (185 Union Ave, Memphis).
If live music is your thing, you’re in luck, because, well, Memphis.
Many of the bars along Beale Street you’ll find to be welcoming and affordable.
If you’re a trivia nerd or karaoke prodigy, then you’ll find those both happening at DRUS and The Pumping Station on Thursday, April 25. Visit their websites to find out more.
If you’re a history buff and want to know about the role Memphis played in the Civil Rights movement, consider including the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and maybe even the National Civil Rights Museum in your itinerary.
As part of its exhibit, the museum includes the Lorraine Motel, a somber reminder of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Now, for those who are more than capable of finding Memphis on a map, you’ll notice it’s in Tennessee, which as a state hasn’t exactly been a bastion of queer acceptance, especially lately.
Ted Stepanoff, another Memphis-based NAGAAA Cup organizer (and McKinney’s husband) says Memphis might surprise you.
“Memphis is just different,” Stepanoff said emphatically. “This is the OG ‘Blue’ county in Tennessee, long before Nashville became purple-ish and way before Knoxville became, whatever Knoxville is.”
Memphis has a deep and rich history of being welcoming to people of all backgrounds and cultures.
Stepanoff and McKinney moved to Memphis during COVID. For McKinney it was a homecoming, but for Stepanoff, it was an adjustment from his home in Connecticut and his job in New York City. Even though it was a bit of culture shock, Stepanoff said he and McKinney have never had a problem being who they are, a married couple. “We’ve never had an issue here,” he said.
But it’s still Tennessee, and when state lawmakers started passing bills against drag performances, it was the drag queens of Memphis who led the way and fought back. “It’s the community here in Memphis that paved the way and created the blueprint on how to fight discriminatory legislation,” Stepanoff said.
“The NAGAAA Cup coming to Memphis is really important,” he added. “It’s important everyone who is coming understands that. We really appreciate everyone who is coming to support us.”
The NAGAAA Cup is an annual invitational tournament that showcases the elite level athletes and highest rated teams of the A & B Division in iPride Softball, formerly known as NAGAAA. We also include teams from our Legends C & Legends D Divisions.
These elite teams will come to NAGAAA Cup to compete in a double elimination tournament over 2 days in Memphis, Tennessee.
A & B Divisions, as well as Legends C & Legends D.
Teams from the C Division are welcome to register in the B Division.
Registration is now CLOSED
Note: ONLY team Managers may submit the reservation request.
TEAM FEES for the 2025 NAGAAA Cup are due NO LATER THAN MARCH 25, 2025. The Team fee this year is $500 + Fees and can be paid by either of 2 ways:
1) Online: Click here to go to the iPride Softball payment page and enter your credit card information
Note: There is an added service charge of $15 added by the processing company. This is not an iPride Softball-associated fee.
2) Check: If you’d like to pay by check, please send to iPride Softball Treasurer Dennis Kubacak at:
International Pride Softball
C/O Dennis Kubacak
4228 Gochman Street
Austin, TX 78723
Checks must be post marked by 03/25/25.
PLAYER FEES for the 2025 NAGAAA Cup are $25 per player.
We are currently finalizing the Player Registration and payment process and will update this site when that is available.
2025 NAGAAA Ratings will be used.
NAGAAA Cup Team Rosters will be submitted via the NAGAAA database, similarly to the process for the GSWS. This should be completed by the league representative who manages your GSWS Team entries.
The deadline for submission of rosters is Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Late submissions and roster changes (adding or removing players) can be made until April 15. Each change during this time frame will incur a fine.
NAGAAA Cup Team Rosters will be locked on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
There’s a LOT to do in Memphis! The host hotel is conveniently located downtown two blocks from the famous Beale Street and FedEx Forum. Memphis has rich cultural history in the US and its attractions range from the National Civil Rights Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Graceland, and the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum. You may also want to visit the Memphis Zoo, Botanic Gardens, one (or more) of the 10 breweries and distilleries downtown, or even a casino or two.
And, of course, you won’t want to pass up on the BBQ!
Players, Coaches, Managers, Scorekeepers and other participants will be able to check-in Friday night at the Opening event, or at the fields on Saturday. A reminder… In order to check in participants MUST have registered and received the check-in QR code. They CANNOT check-in without that QR Code. All participants MUST be checked-in before stepping into a dugout or on the field of play. Anyone found to not be checked in will be removed from the tournament, without exception.
Opening Event:
Friday Night
The Pumping Station – Memphis
1382 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closing Event:
Ghost River Brewery & Taproom
827 Main Street
Memphis, TN 38106
The tournament will be held at USA Stadium, located in Millington, Tennessee, about 25 minutes from the host hotel.
The complex has 9 fields, all of which have turf infields. Six of the fields have turf outfields. Several of the fields are lighted, should games run into the evening hours.
The complex has bars and restaurants on-site (not concession stands). There is ample parking and no gate entry fee.
A few points I need to make about USA Stadium:
- They usually charge a gate fee to enter the park, they have WAIVED that for us for this event. Players, Coaches, Managers, Scorekeepers, Fans all can enter the park at no cost.
- Coolers ARE NOT permitted to be brought into the park. Each person entering may bring one Yeti type refillable water bottle in with them.
- You are allowed to bring WELL BEHAVED dogs into the park. They MUST BE kept on a leash, and you MUST clean up after them.
- There are several permanent concession stands/restaurant/bars on property.
We will be using the Pick-A-Stick format with our new Miken bats.
iPride Softball is proud to announce that the host hotel for NAGAAA Cup 2025 is the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown.
The room rate is $159 +tax (single to quad occupancy), and is available 3 days prior to and following the tournament, based on availability.
Valet Parking at the hotel has been reduced for NAGAAA Cup participants to $23 per night.
Reservations can be made here. Be sure to reserve your room now, as reservations will close on April 10 at 5:00 PM Central.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Memphis Downtown
185 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
Important Dates
- TEAM FEES DUE: March 23, 2025
- USA SOFTBALL CARDS DUE: March 23, 2025
- ROSTERS DUE: April 8, 2025
- LATE ROSTER SUBMISSIONS (with late fees): April 11 to April 15, 2025
- ROSTERS LOCK (no changes): April 16, 2025
All teams will play 3 Pool Play games. There may be one team in each division that could be required to play 4 pool play games due to the size of the division. A random draw would determine which team that would be. Each team will also be guaranteed a minimum of 2 double-elimination tournament games. As we begin to look at how the schedule will play out we realize this is going to be a very tight full schedule. Potentially games will start at 7:30 AM Saturday morning with the last start time again potentially being at 7:40 PM.
2025 NAGAAA Cup Teams
| A Division | B Division | Legends C Division | Legends D Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans – Dream Skittles | Austin – Texas Y.A.S. | Palm Springs – Past Our Prime | Tampa – Golden Gloves |
| Ft. Lauderdale – Team Florida Softball | Phoenix – Roadrunners | New Orleans – ISG All Stars | Mid-Atlantic – Norfolk Gunners Lenends |
| Dallas – Texas Force | Ft Lauderdale – So. Florida United | Dallas – Mantiques | Houston – Hey Daddy! |
| San Diego - Thunder | Knoxville – Cyclones B | Chicago – Syndicate | Houston – Space City Cowboys |
| Long Beach – UFAKA | Dallas – Texas Stampede | Orlando – Swag | Houston – Silver Balls |
| Phoneix – Charlie’s AZ Toro’s | Knoxville – Southern Assassins | Nashville – Livings Legends | Phoenix – Charlie’s FoXXXes |
| Philadelphia - Philly Love | Los Angeles – Fighting Cocks | Minneapolis - Steel Legends | Austin – ATX Batmen |
| San Francisco – TYPO | Atlanta - Energy | Palm Springs – Heat Strokes | |
| Twin Cities -Muskies | Orlando – OG’s | ||
| Twin Cities – Steel | Los Angeles – Living Legends | ||
| Tulsa – Shed | Ft. Lauderdale – Phantoms | ||
| St. Louis – Mayhem | Las Vegas – Old Bats | ||
| Twin Cities – Spikes | St. Louis - STL River Rats | ||
| Charlotte - Bad News Bears | |||
| Cincinnati - Cincinnati Monkeys | |||
| Orlando - Crush | |||
| Charlotte - Carolina Xtreme | |||
| Columbus - Trophy Hunters |
