The Story of
PlayOn! Sports
How a team of experienced media professionals and a group of Atlanta investors came together to build the nation’s largest high school sports media company.
2005
Bringing the Idea to Life
Have you ever wanted to watch a sporting event that wasn't being televised? Well, that's exactly what happened to now PlayOn! CEO, David Rudolph. This inspired Rudolph to start a project that would produce and distribute untelevised live sports. The idea came to life during the first ever broadcast of a Georgia Tech vs. Florida Atlantic baseball game in 2005.
2009
Launching the first School Broadcast program
In September, PlayOn! launched the first School Broadcast Program pilot with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA.) This relationship was the first of 50 + relationships with state associations, covering 90% of the high school market.
2013
Creating the
NFHS Network
NFHS Network
In 2013, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) approached PlayOn! about creating a joint venture that combined the sports media and related rights of the state high school athletic associations. So in August of 2013, the NFHS Network was born!
2013
Launching the Consumer subscription platform
After joining forces with the NFHS, the NFHS Network launched a direct to consumer subscription service that streams high school sporting events. Subscribers can watch unlimited high school sporting events with a monthly or annual subscription to the NFHS Network.
2016
Introducing the Pixellot Automated Camera
PlayOn! quickly learned that the key to unlocking the full potential of the high school market is accelerated growth in the number of events produced by schools. The automated technology of the Pixellot cameras solved all the key challenges of manual production and allowed for more exposure for schools.
2019
Expanding the Experience
to Mobile and TV Apps
to Mobile and TV Apps
In 2019, the NFHS Network expanded the ways consumers could watch high school sporting events with the launch of the NFHS Network App for smartphone and tablet. Then even more options were added once the NFHS Network went live on Apple TV, FireTV, Roku, and Google TV. With these options, viewers can stay connected by watching at home or on the go!
2020
Finding Success
During the Pandemic
During the Pandemic
In 2020, as more people were unable to attend events in person, the NFHS Network was able to provide more ways to view high school sporting events. During this time, schools were given two pixellot cameras for free. The NFHS Network saw substantial growth during this period and gave back over 8 million dollars through the high school support program.
"It’s never as bad as it feels or as good as it seems. For me, the emotional ups and downs of starting a company have been much harder than anything else."
David Rudolph
Chief Executive Officer
Today
PlayOn! Sports continues to grow as a leader in the high school sports streaming industry.