STL Shock Announce O2 Sports Insurance as Official Sports Insurance Partner and Primary Uniform Sponsor

Multi-Year Partnership Unites Leading Sports Insurance Expertise with Major League Pickleball’s Most Innovative Franchise

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Shock are proud to announce a new groundbreaking partnership with O2 Sports Insurance Inc., who will become the official sports insurance partner of the St. Louis Shock and will be prominently featured on team uniforms. This multi-year partnership brings together one of the sports insurance industry's most trusted providers with Major League Pickleball's most innovative franchise, also making O2 Sports Insurance an official partner of Marathon MLP St. Louis, taking place July 17-20, 2025 at Chaifetz Arena.

"We're thrilled to welcome O2 Sports Insurance to the St. Louis Shock family as both our official insurance partner and primary jersey sponsor," said Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock. "Kandace and her team's expertise in protecting sports organizations aligns perfectly with our commitment to safety, excellence and innovation. Having O2's logo prominently displayed on our jerseys represents a partnership built on shared values of protecting what matters most."

O2 Sports Insurance Inc’s team is renowned for their proficiency in designing comprehensive insurance programs for sport teams, leagues, players' associations, individual athletes, executives, and facilities, as well as promoters, concerts, film production companies and prize and contingency markets. Their unparalleled expertise in these markets allows them to develop sophisticated policies that meet the needs of their clients in each niche industry.

Founded and led by CEO Kandace Kalin, O2 Sports Insurance has established itself as a leader in the specialized field of sports and entertainment insurance. The company's comprehensive approach to risk management and their deep understanding of the unique challenges facing modern sports organizations makes them an ideal partner for the world’s fastest growing sport of professional pickleball.

"Supporting the St. Louis Shock and Major League Pickleball allows us to partner with the leading team in  the fastest-growing sport in America," said Kandace Kalin, Founder/CEO of O2 Sports Insurance. "Professional pickleball represents the future of athletic competition, and we're excited to protect and support these incredible athletes as they compete at the highest level. This partnership showcases our commitment to innovation in sports insurance while supporting the Shock on the national stage as they compete for MLP championships."

"This partnership with O2 Sports Insurance represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking collaboration we envisioned when we founded the Shock," said Ross Chaifetz, Owner and General Manager of the St. Louis Shock. "Kandace and her team understand the unique needs of professional sports, and their expertise gives our organization the peace of mind to focus on what we do best – competing at the highest level. O2 leads the way with innovative sports insurance offerings, and we are pleased to partner with them on one of the largest and most groundbreaking partnerships for any Major League Pickleball franchise."

The multi-year partnership positions O2 Sports Insurance as the primary jersey sponsor for the St. Louis Shock, which will debut at the upcoming Major League Pickleball Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and ensures prominent visibility throughout the 2025 Major League Pickleball season and for multiple years thereafter.

MARATHON MLP ST. LOUIS MOMENTUM BUILDING

Ticket sales for Marathon MLP St. Louis continue to exceed expectations, with strong interest from both local fans and national pickleball enthusiasts. The event, featuring the hometown St. Louis Shock and the world's elite professional players, has generated significant buzz across the Major League Pickleball community.

"The response has been incredible," added Haines. "We're seeing tremendous support from the St. Louis community and from pickleball fans planning to travel here for what promises to be an unforgettable four days of competition. Having partners like O2 Sports Insurance supporting our vision makes events like this possible." O2 joins other premier partners for MLP St. Louis including Marathon, Charles Schwab, MARS, and more.

Marathon MLP St. Louis marks the eighth of 10 regular-season stops on the 2025 Major League Pickleball calendar and represents the first time the professional league has brought its co-ed team format to St. Louis. The event will feature four days of elite competition as teams battle for playoff positioning and championship aspirations.

For Tickets visit: https://mlpstl.com/

About O2 Sports Insurance Inc.: O2 Sports Insurance Inc.'s team is renowned for their proficiency in designing comprehensive insurance programs for sport teams, leagues, players' associations, individual athletes, executives, and facilities, as well as promoters, concerts, film production companies and prize and contingency markets. Led by Founder/CEO Kandace Kalin, their unparalleled expertise in these markets allows them to develop sophisticated policies that meet the needs of their clients in each niche industry. O2 Sports Insurance provides innovative risk management solutions for the modern sports and entertainment landscape.

About Marathon MLP St. Louis: Marathon MLP St. Louis, presented by Marathon Petroleum, takes place July 17-20, 2025 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. The event marks the first Major League Pickleball tournament in St. Louis and features the hometown St. Louis Shock competing against the world's best professional pickleball players in MLP's signature co-ed team format.

About the St. Louis Shock: The St. Louis Shock is a premier professional pickleball franchise competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Founded in 2023, the organization has quickly established itself as an industry innovator both on and off the court. Led by one of the youngest and most dynamic player rosters in the league, the Shock competes at the highest level of professional pickleball while developing the sport's next generation through its pioneering Minor League Pickleball program. With a commitment to community engagement, player development, and entertainment excellence, the Shock is redefining the pickleball experience for fans, players, and partners alike. The team will host Marathon MLP St. Louis at Chaifetz Arena July 17-20, 2025. For more information, visit www.stlshock.com or follow @STLShockMLP on social media.