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Postseason Video Broadcast Information

Live or tape-delayed video broadcasts of a postseason contest require approval from the UIL. The UIL retains all broadcast rights to postseason contests and has granted rights to its broadcast partners (NFHS Network and Fan Duel Sports Nework, formerly Bally Sports Southwest). The UIL’s broadcast partners have first rights to all postseason activities and if a broadcast partner selects a contest for broadcast, in most cases an additional broadcast cannot be approved.

Please see below for more information. Any questions should be directed to the UIL Media Department: pr@uiltexas.org

Media Outlets & Independent Broadcast Entities

Media outlets and third party, professional broadcast entities interested in video broadcasting a postseason contest have two options:

1. Exclusive NFHS Network Streaming Distribution

Media outlets may enter into an agreement with Sports in Action on behalf of the NFHS Network to produce and distribute one or more postseason contests exclusively on the NFHS Network. Selected outlets will be permitted to do live reads for their sponsors and will be compensated for their production by Sports in Action based on the following fee structure:

Compensation

  • Football Contest: $500 per game
  • Non-Football Contest: $250 per game, event or series

Outlets interested in participating should contact Sports in Action at sublicense@sportsinaction.com to be set up as an NFHS Production Partner.

NFHS and Sports in Action will make every attempt to accommodate the school’s preferred Home broadcaster, provided they have signed up proactively as an NFHS Production Partner. In many cases, there may be two NFHS broadcasts of the same game, labeled as “Home” and “Visitor” Broadcasts. This opportunity is subject to space limitations and may require negotiations between broadcast entities, such as sharing video feeds.

If a school’s preferred broadcaster is not a part of NFHS, they must apply to sublicense the game (see #2 option below).  

2. Sublicense Video Rights

In the occurrence the contest is not being produced by UIL broadcast partners or via the compensation model above, the contest may be sublicensed to interested media outlets. 

If your game is not produced by UIL broadcast partners and you are still interested in producing, you must complete this form by noon the business day prior to the event:  Playoff Video Broadcast Request form and receive an approval email from Sports In Action. If approved, the sublicensee (broadcast producer) must enter into an agreement with Sports In Action and pay fees detailed below within 5 business days following the event.

Fees.

  • Linear TV:
    • $2000 per football contest
    • $1000 per non-football contest
  • Online Video Stream:
    • $500 per football contest
    • $250 per non-football contest

All broadcasts must meet the following criteria:

  1. The video broadcast must be provided to the public through a linear or reliable web broadcast with minimal buffering.
  2. Video broadcast must feature at least one high definition camera.
  3. Video broadcast must feature at least one on-air broadcaster to call play-by-play of the event.
  4. Video broadcast is prohibited from advertising in the following categories:
    • Political Announcements
    • Cigarettes or other tobacco products
    • Gambling services or venues
    • Sexual services or adult entertainment venues
    • Alcohol
    • Firearms

The approved broadcaster is responsible for communication with the schools for selected broadcasts. The approved broadcaster will schedule the set-up and tear-down times for equipment with the schools and the venues. The approved broadcaster is responsible for any expenses associated with the broadcast. UIL approval does not guarantee preferred placement, accommodations are at the discretion of the host venue. 

Broadcast Opportunities for UIL Member Schools:

Non-Commercial Academic Video Broadcasts

Schools interested in doing a non-commercial Academic Video Broadcast must submit this form by noon two days prior to the event for football games and by noon the day prior for all other events: UIL Member School Playoff Video Broadcast Request.

The UIL defines an Academic Broadcast as a broadcast with an educational purpose that is produced solely by a UIL-member school and/or school district primarily using school facilities, equipment, staff and students without any commercial relationship for the financial benefit of another party. 

To be approved, the broadcast must feature at least one high-definition camera and an on-air broadcaster. Any use of professional broadcasters should be as an exception on a limited basis and on a non-paid, volunteer basis. Regular season commercial obligations cannot be applied to postseason academic broadcasts.

Schools may air postseason broadcasts LIVE if approved by UIL. Additionally, schools may distribute the broadcast via their school or district website or via their official school-affiliated social media or YouTube channels. Other commercial .com websites are prohibited. The web page where the broadcast is to appear should be free of sponsor logos.

Failure to comply with the above may result in future prohibition of academic broadcasts.

There are no fees to do an academic telecast. 

NFHS School Broadcast Program Webcast

Schools who are members of the NFHS Network School Broadcast Program (SBP) and wish to broadcast an event on the network must submit this form by noon the business day prior to the event: UIL Member School Playoff Video Broadcast Request. 

Please note: An NFHS Network School Broadcast Program Webcast is not an Academic Broadcast and may include commercials. There are no fees to do an NFHS School Broadcast Program webcast. 

What is the NFHS School Broadcast Program?

The School Broadcast Program (or SBP) lets high schools produce and broadcast their own games, pep rallies, news shows, and any other event live on the NFHS Network. The NFHS Network has a dedicated support team and account managers to assist these schools with using the platform to stream their events. Most of these events are done by the actual students, and it is a great way for them to get real world experience and exposure to an always evolving technology platform. 

To learn more about SBP, please visit: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/sbp