How This Quest Came to Life

Despite the multibillion-dollar scale of sports and sports media, personal connections remain at the heart of the industry. This semester I built one of those connections with Dave Holder, Chief Financial Officer at HomeTeam Network (HTN), for the Sport Professional Penpal assignment.

I was transparent from the beginning that this was a university project and that I would use our conversations for class work. Dave was generous with his time and insights. Through several email exchanges, I learned that HTN started only four years ago as a youth sports streaming company and has already grown to stream 42 different sports, with 72% at the professional level. Butler University has signed on, and HTN has even sent cameras and software to a curling team in Japan.

Dave explained how HTN’s technology works: cameras (installed or portable), instant playback on phones, automated scores/stats/metrics, and tools that let teams compare mechanics and performance. He also shared that colleges are being squeezed financially and that the next 3–5 years will bring a major shift to affordable streaming solutions like his. When I asked about opportunities for a school like Old Dominion University, Dave suggested that signing with HTN could let ODU build its own dedicated network, including a weekly talk show similar to SportsCenter. That idea became the foundation for my Quest.

I took his advice seriously — networking is key, stay flexible, keep learning — and developed a realistic proposal that leverages HTN’s strengths while giving ODU students real sport communication experience. This Quest is the direct result of those conversations.

The Quest: ODU Monarchs Stream Network Proposal

Executive Summary

Old Dominion University Athletics should form a partnership with HomeTeam Network to launch the ODU Monarchs Stream Network. This dedicated platform would stream live games, deliver instant highlights and stats, and include a student-produced weekly talk show. The initiative would create new revenue through subscriptions, increase fan engagement across devices, provide valuable hands-on experience for students, and help ODU stay ahead in the evolving sports media landscape.

Why HomeTeam Network?

Dave Holder and HTN offer exactly what many colleges need right now:

•  Affordable, high-quality streaming without the cost of traditional broadcasters

•  Instant playback and highlights perfect for social media

•  Automated stats and performance comparison tools

•  Experience with 42 sports and clients ranging from youth programs to professional teams and international organizations

•  Flexible options (remote or on-site broadcasting, any language)

Detailed Plan

1. Live Streaming Infrastructure

HTN would supply and install the necessary cameras for key ODU venues. All home games in major sports (basketball, football, soccer, baseball, etc.) would be streamed live with instant replays available immediately on fans’ phones.

2. “Monarchs Central” Weekly Talk Show

•  30–45 minute episodes airing every Thursday during the main seasons

•  Produced and hosted by ODU sport communication students

•  Content includes game highlights with HTN instant replays, player/coach interviews, stat breakdowns, and mechanic comparisons

•  Distributed on the ODU Athletics website/app, YouTube, and the HTN platform

3. Promotion & Execution Strategy

•  Social Media Campaign: Post quick highlights within minutes of big plays to Instagram, TikTok, and X to drive subscriptions and game attendance.

•  Cross-Promotion: Partner with ODU student groups, alumni associations, and season ticket holders.

•  Launch Event: Host a free “Stream Night” at the start of the 2026–27 season with giveaways and live demos.

•  Email & Campus Marketing: Send targeted messages to students, faculty, and fans highlighting the convenience of watching on any device.

4. Revenue Model

Subscription-based (example: $4.99/month basic access, $9.99/month premium with exclusive content). Revenue would be shared between ODU Athletics and HTN. Additional sponsorships within streams could add further income.

5. Timeline

•  Summer 2026: Contract discussions between ODU Athletics and Dave Holder/HTN

•  Fall 2026: Camera setup, student training, and pilot streams

•  Spring 2027: Full launch with Monarchs Central debut

Expected Benefits

•  New revenue at a time when college athletic departments face budget pressure

•  Stronger fan connection through modern, on-demand viewing

•  Professional experience for ODU students in production, social media, and sports media

•  Positioning ODU as an innovative program in the streaming future Dave described

Final Reflections

This Quest would not exist without Dave Holder’s input and mentorship. He turned an assignment into a practical, real-world idea that connects directly to HTN’s mission and ODU’s needs. I plan to refine this proposal further and send it to the ODU Athletics communications or marketing department, while following up with Dave to thank him and share the final version.