Lang
6/23/23
The Iowa High School Athletic Association has filed a court petition against its own broadcast partner over a plan to charge viewers to stream games.
Earlier this week, the Iowa High School Sports Network announced it would begin charging $9.99 to stream its state tournament broadcasts, starting with baseball next month at Banks Field and in Carroll. Championship games would still air for free on IHSSN television and cable affiliates.
On Wednesday, the IHSAA tweeted a statement condemning the plan. It added that it had filed a Petition for Declaratory Relief in Polk County seeking, among other things, “a declaration from the court as to the rights of the parties with respect to charging fees to the public under the relevant media rights agreement.”
The IHSAA says it will strive to keep free public access to its broadcasts in the future.
The IHSSN is the exclusive media provider of Iowa boys’ state championship events for baseball, football, wrestling, basketball, track and soccer.