The landscape of streaming Texas high school football has dramatically shifted following the shutdown of Victory+, a streaming platform that played a crucial role in broadcasting various sporting events in the state. This unexpected development has left the future of the University Interscholastic League (UIL) football state championships uncertain.
On Tuesday, Ishmael Johnson from the Dallas Morning News reported that Victory+, which was owned by Calgary-based A Parent Media Co., has ceased operations. This service was particularly notable for airing the Texas High School Coaching Association's Game of the Week throughout the football season, making it a staple for fans and players alike.
Victory+ had secured exclusive rights to stream the UIL Texas high school football state championships through a five-year agreement facilitated by Dave Campbell's Texas Football, the UIL's marketing partner. With the platform's abrupt closure, the status of these media rights remains unclear. However, it is worth noting that the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) Network continues to stream regular-season and playoff games for Texas high school football, potentially stepping in to fill the void left by Victory+.
In light of the current situation, two other streaming platforms in Texas may emerge as alternatives for broadcasting UIL championships. Texan Live, a subscription service associated with Dave Campbell's Texas Football, primarily covers games in regions such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and East Texas. Additionally, Texas Sports Productions offers a free live-streaming platform that features high school football games in Central and South Texas, which could help maintain access for fans.
Victory+ was launched in 2024 and had partial ownership by the NHL's Dallas Stars, allowing it to broadcast a variety of sports, including games from the Texas Rangers and high school football. However, the service has faced significant challenges in recent months, leading to the withdrawal of several teams and leagues. Notably, the Dallas Stars announced a new streaming partnership with Amazon Prime for the 2026-27 NHL season, effectively distancing themselves from Victory+ and signaling a troubling trend for the platform.
The departure of other teams, such as the Texas Rangers and the National Women's Soccer League, was attributed to concerns regarding Victory+'s financial stability and its ability to meet contractual obligations. As a result, Victory+ CEO Neil Gruninger resigned, and Jon Spencer from TriWest Capital Partners was appointed as the new CEO, indicating a significant leadership change amid the turmoil.
As of now, only a handful of leagues remain on the Victory+ platform, including the League One Volleyball and the Western Hockey League. The situation for professional teams is similarly precarious, with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx being the only teams still providing live game streaming through Victory+. Meanwhile, the NFL's Dallas Cowboys are offering some content, including interviews and behind-the-scenes features, but not live game streams.
The closure of Victory+ not only disrupts the viewing experience for Texas high school football fans but also raises broader questions about the future of sports streaming in the state. As stakeholders seek new partnerships and platforms, the hope remains that fans will continue to have access to the UIL football state championships and other significant events in Texas high school sports.
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