Outback adds eight college baseball, softball stars to TeamMATES roster

Nakos updated headshotby:Pete Nakos•06/07/22•

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Outback Steakhouse has signed another wave of college student-athletes to its TeamMATES roster.

The program has signed eight new college baseball and softball players to NIL deals. Oklahoma softball players Jocelyn Alo and Jayda Coleman join Washington’s Baylee Klingler and Kelley Lynch.

Alo is a two-time USA Softball National Player of the Year, and Joyce has been clocked pitching at an NCAA record 105.5 mph.

Along with serving as brand ambassadors for the steakhouse, the players will be part of TeamMATES’ first role out of NFTs. The digital asset represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items and videos. They are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency.

Outback plans to release a limited-edition series of 8,000 NFTs, which will be available for free. The NFTs are redeemable across all restaurants for rewards that will be announced on National Onion Day on June 27 in honor of the Bloomin’ Onion.

“As we continue to grow the TeamMATES program, we’re seeking new opportunities to engage with athletes and fans in a unique way,” president of Outback Steakhouse Brett Patterson said in a statement. “In the latest iteration of the program, we’re celebrating America’s pastime and integrating NFTs as a way to rally fans of baseball, softball and Outback.”

Oklahoma softball advanced to the Women’s College World Series on Monday with a 15-0 win in five innings. No. 1 seed Tennessee plays Notre Dame this weekend in the Super Regionals.

Full list of Outback’s TeamMATES roster

Outback rolled out its first lineup of NIL signings this fall. The company inked Ohio State’s CJ Stroud, Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, along with Michigan’s AJ Henning and Blake Corum. Florida quarterbacks Anthony Richardson and Emory Jones signed, too.

The steakhouse signed 12 men and women basketball stars ahead of March Madness:

Outback has committed to continuing its TeamMATES program into the next school year. Male and female college athletes interested in joining the program are free to apply. The deadline for the fall application period is Aug. 12.