YAKIMA, WA - FirstFruits Farms, the exclusive grower of Opal® apples, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the Junior Basketball League (JrTBL). This collaboration expands on Opal’s Youth Make a Difference program, furthering its mission to inspire young leaders, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen communities.

JrTBL is a free component of The Basketball League, which includes 49 professional teams across the United States and Canada. Designed for young players ages 8-17, JrTBL focuses on community engagement and personal growth, connected by a love for the game of basketball.

Opal’s longstanding support for young leaders across the country makes this partnership a natural fit. Since 2010, Youth Make a Difference has awarded over $770,000 in grants to youth-led organizations that address key issues such as food security, nutrition, and education. Partnering with JrTBL enhances this impact by reaching young athletes directly, providing them with resources to understand how nutrition helps achieve peak performance according to the press release.

“Our partnership with Opal® Apples is a game-changer for JrTBL,” said Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League. “Together, we’re not just promoting basketball skills but also empowering young athletes to make healthier choices that fuel their dreams. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to inspire, uplift, and build stronger communities through the power of sports and nutrition.”

As part of this sponsorship, FirstFruits will provide young athletes and their families with Opal apples, a nutritious source of energy both on and off the court. Opal® Apples will be prominently featured and sampled at the JrTBL Combine on February 1st-2nd, ensuring athletes experience the delicious, nutritious boost they need to perform their best.

“Becoming the official apple of JrTBL reflects our dedication to inspiring the next generation,” said Emily Cox, Marketing Manager at FirstFruits Farms. “We’re thrilled to build upon the success of Youth Make a Difference, extending Opal’s reach and unlocking new possibilities with JrTBL and beyond.”

As the partnership unfolds, Opal® Apples and JrTBL look forward to bringing together the energy of youth sports and the power of healthy choices.