BarTV Sports celebrates $1M back to grassroots
In mid-September 2024, Newcastle based live-streaming company BarTV Sports marked a significant milestone, having given back over $1M to local grassroots sporting competitions through their innovative subscription model.
During the COVID lockdowns of 2020, the company created a much-needed revenue stream for grassroots sporting bodies, broadcasting their matches to supporters whilst splitting subscription profits back to local competitions. Now – just 4 years on – BarTV Sports has given back over $1M to their partner sporting leagues, whilst producing great content and expanding the reach of local, grassroots sport.
More than 20 competitions have signed on with BarTV Sports’ subscription service since its inception, making the company one of the most prolific live streaming organisations in Australia. Popular with sports like rugby league and with an emphasis on promoting women and juniors, the company has grown year on year, producing more than 8000 matches so far in 2024.
“The great thing about our $1M milestone is that it has been about partnerships,” said BarTV Sports CEO, Josh Mason. “This isn’t a donation or a gift – instead we try to work with sporting bodies to produce great content and a good platform. We’ve always been about “growing the game” and to be able to give money back to comps whilst promoting local sport is amazing.”
“We really want to thank all our subscribers who have made this work,” said Josh. “Many who sign up are family, friends and loved-ones - as well as local sports fans or previous players. Knowing that the more people who subscribe for a competition or team will increase money back to them is a great feeling and we thank everyone who has got on board.”
Some competitions like the popular Penrith & District Junior Rugby League and Cronulla Sutherland Junior Rugby League have received significant funds from their partnership with BarTV Sports. As well as revenue, the leagues can promote their own sponsors on streams and benefit from tools to help coaching, performance analysis, media and judiciary needs.
In October, BarTV Sports will help celebrate the milestone by giving back to the community again – donating their time and technology to livestream for 10 days straight from Sydney Olympic Park as Australian runner Nedd Brockmann attempts to run 1000 miles in 10 days (160km per day - just under 4 marathons a day). This 1000 mile attempt is part of an aim to raise $10M for homelessness as part of Nedd's Uncomfortable Challenge and will be covered in full by BarTV Sports.
About BarTV Sports
BarTV Sports is a streaming platform and production company specialising in live streaming sporting events across Australia and the globe. BarTV Sports have partnered with some of Australia's leading broadcasters and peak sporting bodies, helping the likes of Fox Sports, Kayo, Cricket Australia, Football Australia, SANFL and Touch Football Australia in delivering a professional streaming product whilst minimising production costs.