As the exclusive provider of many Iowa boys’ state championship events, we were disappointed to learn of the recent lawsuit filed against us by IHSAA. It is important to remember that fans will still be able to watch championship games on television for free thanks to our broadcast partners around the state. However, under our new pay-per-view platform, accessing our broadcasts via streaming devices – like phones or tablets – will require a nominal fee, which is in-line with current market rates and the cost of actually attending the event live.

IHSSN is a privately held company and we have taken significant steps over the last two years to enhance the programming offered; and we believe a move to a new, pay-per-view platform for streaming customers will provide opportunities for us to add even more coverage and features in the future. Given this, we strongly disagree with the merits of this lawsuit.

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(Emerson, Iowa – June 20, 2023) – The Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN), which is the exclusive media provider of Iowa boys’ state championship events for baseball, football, wrestling, basketball, track and soccer, announced today it is introducing a new pay-per-view platform for sports fans wanting to view future events via streaming devices. This new platform, which includes either per game/match or championship tournament package options, will go into effect for this year’s state baseball championships, which will be held July 17-21, 2023.

“Our passion is Iowa high school sports, and we are committed to bringing high school sports fans the best coverage of championship events and showcasing the state’s elite talent,” said Alan DeBolt, Executive Director at IHSSN. “We have added nearly 30 live events in the past two years. Our goal is to continue to expand and improve the quality of our offerings. This business decision will allow us to keep moving down that path.” 

DeBolt said the IHSSN’s championship broadcasts will still be available live and for free through its Iowa cable and broadcast television affiliates. This will not change. However, watching these same contests via a streaming device (i.e., phone, desktop, iPad, etc.) will now require a nominal fee. This will allow users access to either single games/matches or the entire championship tournament. No monthly or yearly subscriptions are required, and users only pay for whatever sporting event they have selected.  

NEW PLATFORM DETAILS:

• Affordable Pricing – You can watch a single game/match for $9.99, or you can pay $18.99 for a tournament pass, which gives you access to all the championship games or matches for that sport.

• Free App – “Watch IHSSN” is free to download on iOS and Android devices, as well as Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku.

• Online Viewing – Viewers can access games easily through ihssn.com. Simply open your favorite web browser, purchase the game or tournament pass and start watching.

• Multiple Devices – IHSSN offers viewership on up to two devices concurrently making it convenient to watch your favorite team(s) at any time and from anywhere.

• Easy Sign-up – Just go to the IHSSN website at ihssn.com to create an account. If you already have an IHSSN account, you do not need to set up a new one. You can also download the Watch IHSSN app on your favorite iOS and Android devices, as well as several streaming services. 

“We are proud to currently broadcast over 100 state championship events each year,” explained DeBolt. “We believe this new platform will not only allow us to maintain the coverage and quality that Iowa high school sports fans have come to expect from IHSSN, but also expand our future offerings.”

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About IHSSN

Based in Emerson, Iowa, the Iowa High School Sports Network (IHSSN) is a privately held, entrepreneurial company with strong, Iowa roots committed to bringing high school sports fans the best coverage of state championship events and showcasing the state’s elite talent. As the only Iowa-based producer and provider of championship telecasts for boys’ high school championship sports in the state, IHSSN owns the exclusive media rights to many of the Iowa boys’ state championship events. Since 2005, IHSSN has been producing and broadcasting Iowa boys’ high school sports championships. Today, IHSSN broadcasts over 100 state championship events each year, including state football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, co-ed track and soccer. Select events are aired on their Broadcast TV Network and Cable Network, while all events are streamed through IHSSN’s streaming platforms. IHSSN believes that sports are a positive part of the overall educational experience and one that brings families and friends together. For more information, visit ihssn.com. 

IHSSN holds certain exclusive event media rights pursuant to an agreement with the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). IHSSN is solely responsible for its media productions, including the pay-per-view platform, and is neither a partner of nor affiliated in any way with IHSAA.  All inquiries regarding such media productions should be directed to IHSSN and not IHSAA.