By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of East Texas Gameday.

Imagine tuning in on a sweltering September evening to watch a high‑school playoff game, only to find the stream dead. That’s the reality Texas fans face after Victory Plus, the network that has carried UIL football for years, announced it is shutting down.

Victory Plus’ Exit Leaves a Gap in Texas Sports Broadcasting

Victory Plus, which stepped in after Valley Sports to cover regular‑season high‑school football, has been a staple for Texas families. The Dallas Morning News confirmed the network’s closure, noting it still owes roughly a million dollars to the Dallas Rangers and the Dallas Stars. The timing is especially painful: the Rangers are deep in the playoffs, and the state’s high‑school football season is in full swing.

With the network’s demise, questions arise about who will pick up the coveted state UIL title games in December. “Who’s going to step in and pick up the state UIL title games in December?” Morgan Smith asked, underscoring the urgency of finding a new partner before the championship week arrives.

Local vs. National: The Debate Over Coverage Rights

Smith and guest Zach Doty argued that the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) could be a logical successor, but they warned that NFHS’s model—charging $11.99 a month for streaming—might not serve Texas communities well. “If you’ve got an organization in your town that has already covered any of the local schools, then why you should lose the first rights to refusal to the games you’ve been covering all along isn’t about trust. It’s about money,” Doty said.

The pair emphasized that Texas boasts robust media crews and school district resources that can produce higher‑quality broadcasts than a phone‑camera‑based approach. They noted that the UIL’s current arrangement with NFHS could “sell its soul” to a national entity, potentially sidelining local broadcasters who understand the nuances of Texas high‑school football culture.

Impact on Fans and Communities

Fans stand to lose more than just a viewing platform. The conversation highlighted several marquee matchups that were slated for Victory Plus, including Prosper vs. North Forney and Allen vs. Southlake Carroll. These games draw large regional audiences and generate community pride.

“If you don’t watch the games, you don’t care. But for those of us who were involved in this part of it, this is a very big deal,” Smith remarked, reflecting the sentiment of coaches, parents, and local businesses that rely on game broadcasts for exposure and revenue.

Possible Paths Forward for Texas High‑School Sports Media

One option discussed is a collaborative effort among existing Texas broadcasters—Texas High, PG, and Liberty—to form a consortium that could fill the vacuum left by Victory Plus. Such a partnership could leverage the existing infrastructure and avoid the need for a costly national subscription model.

Another avenue is for the UIL to renegotiate its contract, ensuring that any new partner commits to free or low‑cost access for local viewers. The hosts stressed that Texas has a tradition of making high‑school sports accessible to all, a principle that should guide any future agreements.

Broader Implications for Community‑Driven Sports Coverage

The Victory Plus shutdown serves as a cautionary tale for other regional sports networks. As media consolidation accelerates, local broadcasters risk being eclipsed by national platforms that prioritize profit over community engagement. Smith and Doty’s discussion underscores the importance of preserving locally owned media that can deliver high‑quality, affordable coverage of events that matter to everyday Texans.

In a state where Friday night football is a cultural cornerstone, maintaining accessible broadcasts is more than a business decision—it’s about preserving a shared community experience.

As the debate continues, Texas fans and officials alike will be watching closely to see which solution emerges, hoping it keeps the lights on the field and the streams alive for the next generation of players and supporters.

The full episode of East Texas Gameday is available on OBBM Network TV.