As an aside, whoever wrote the press release had to point out that the first game to be broadcast on the network is one of the few chances that Bears soccer fans can watch a match for free.  Even though multiple broadcasts are scheduled for that afternoon.  Probably a coincidence...

The first live broadcast is scheduled for this Friday when Millikin hosts WashU in men's soccer in Decatur at 4 p.m.

Quote from: y_jack_lok on August 27, 2025, 10:08:20 AMBut the ODAC ditched its ODAC Sports Network to sign on with Flo. Time will tell.

And the Great Lakes Valley Conference formed a Hudl-based conference network with free broadcasts only to flip the pay per view switch a few years later.

I hope the CCIW, WIAC and others hold out.

As did the WIAC.

I am not sure that I see it as a blow in favor of free live streams as it really is the CCIW keeping the status quo with minor changes, though it is good news.

In the end, Brandeis went all-in on the junior transfer approach:

JJ Hayes, Palm Beach Atlantic
Lorenzo Cuttino, Quincy University
Ali Kaan Bek, Haverford College
DJ Courtney, Kalamazoo College

They do have freshmen coming in as well, but four transfers join two transfers from last season.

As many transfers as CWRU and NYU used over the past few seasons, Brandeis may hold the record in the UAA and if you look at both transfers and seniors playing in their fifth or sixth season. 

Grok 4 picked up the d3boards, no way!

I'll never know how much work he did, that is true.

But the free AI services can write a very impressive story and the paid versions are much better.  For example, this story written using the free Grok 3 with a one sentence prompt.  Add in prompts in a paid AI service and the quality gets much better.

Prompt: Please write a newspaper column about how fans are upset that Division III conferences are partnering with Flo Sports

Title: Division III Fans Cry Foul Over FloSports Partnerships

In the world of NCAA Division III athletics, where student-athletes compete for the love of the game rather than scholarships or national spotlight, a storm is brewing among fans. The recent wave of partnerships between Division III conferences and FloSports, a subscription-based streaming service, has sparked frustration and disappointment among loyal supporters. From the University Athletic Association (UAA) to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), conferences are signing exclusive media rights deals with FloSports, leaving fans feeling sidelined by a paywall that threatens the accessibility and spirit of D-III sports.

For those unfamiliar, FloSports has positioned itself as a leader in streaming niche sports, including wrestling, track and field, and now, an increasing number of NCAA Division II and III events. The company's FloCollege platform has secured agreements with at least nine Division III conferences, including the UAA, ODAC, Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), and Northwest Conference (NWC), to stream over 12,000 events annually across 20 sports. These deals, often spanning five years and backed by FloSports' $50 million investment in production and rights fees, promise enhanced visibility for student-athletes and a global platform for fans. But for many, the cost of access—both literal and figurative—feels like a betrayal of Division III's community-driven ethos.

The crux of the issue lies in the shift from free or low-cost streaming options to FloSports' subscription model. Previously, many D-III schools offered games for free on their websites or through platforms like YouTube, making it easy for parents, alumni, and local fans to cheer on their teams. Now, fans must pay for a FloCollege subscription—available in monthly or annual plans, with discounts for .edu email holders—to watch regular-season and postseason events. While exact pricing details are elusive (FloSports directs inquiries to their website), the added cost has hit a nerve. For families of student-athletes, who already travel to support their kids, or for small-town fans who rely on streams to follow their local college, the paywall feels like a slap in the face.

Social media platforms like X are buzzing with discontent. Fans lament that Division III, known for its focus on academics and accessibility, is moving toward a commercialized model that prioritizes profit over passion. One user on X wrote, "D-III was supposed to be about the game, not gouging fans for a subscription to watch a volleyball match!" Another pointed out the irony: "FloSports claims to 'elevate' D-III athletics, but how is locking games behind a paywall elevating anything for the average fan?" These sentiments reflect a broader concern that the partnerships prioritize exposure to a hypothetical global audience over the loyal, local fanbase that has long sustained D-III programs.

Conference commissioners, like Sarah Otey of the UAA and Brad Bankston of the ODAC, argue that the deals enhance the student-athlete experience by providing professional-grade streaming and storytelling opportunities. FloSports' investment, they say, allows schools to upgrade their broadcast capabilities, ensuring high-quality coverage across sports. Michael Levy, FloSports' SVP of Global Rights & Acquisition, has emphasized the company's commitment to showcasing D-III's unique blend of academic and athletic excellence. But fans counter that these benefits come at too steep a cost. The promise of "original content" and "global reach" feels hollow when grandparents in Ohio can't afford to watch their grandchild's soccer game from their living room.

There's also a practical concern: FloSports' track record. Some fans report inconsistent stream quality, limited customer support, and a clunky user interface, raising doubts about whether the platform can deliver on its promises. Others worry about the exclusivity of the deals, which lock out alternative streaming options and leave fans with no choice but to subscribe. For rural Division III schools, where internet access can already be a barrier, adding a paid subscription to the mix feels like a double blow.

The partnerships aren't without merit. FloSports' investment could indeed elevate the profile of Division III athletics, attracting new audiences and providing student-athletes with a polished platform to showcase their talents. But the execution has left fans feeling like an afterthought. If Division III is to maintain its reputation as the heart of amateur athletics, conferences must address these concerns—perhaps by negotiating free access for certain games or offering tiered pricing for local fans. Otherwise, the very community that makes D-III special risks being priced out of the game they love.

As the fall season approaches, the tension between progress and tradition hangs heavy. Division III fans aren't just upset about a paywall; they're mourning a shift in values. For a division built on accessibility and community, the move to FloSports feels like a step toward a future where only those who can pay get to play spectator.

Here is the story about Washington University Women's Soccer.

I imagine the author with the byline cleaned up the AI, but otherwise, spent very little time on the story. 

If Ryan Scott writes the story, then the reader gets to hear about the battle for the GK position, the playmaking ability of Viscovich and other young players looking to make their mark, the two Iowa transfers... less about the coach... It is a very different story.

https://www.flocollege.com/articles/14405157-five-things-to-know-about-washington-st-louis-womens-soc

I know my complaint is getting increasingly boring, but credit where credit is due: Flo Sports does have more content on the FloCollege.com including two stories about UAA soccer.  Two stories that may as well have been written using AI.

A reminder of how spoiled we are in Division III to have grassroots content creators who are doing it for the love of the game.

Quote from: maripp2002 on August 21, 2025, 03:59:29 PM

Quote from: y_jack_lok on August 21, 2025, 02:30:55 PMor people like me, who know virtually nothing about UW-P football

Well, for a starter they got the name of the school wrong, it's Platteville (with no s),in the title, but other than that, not terrible. The writing is...not great, but nothing a little human editing couldn't fix up. 

The name has been fixed.  I would not be surprised if Flo Sports is watching the thread as the d3boards do show in the search engines.

Quote from: Flying Dutch Fan on August 21, 2025, 01:40:49 PMMIAA press release on an interesting approach to increasing revenue.

https://miaa.org/news/2025/8/21/miaa-launches-new-collaboration-with-brentwood-partners.aspx

The MIAA is moving to Flo Sports!  I am kidding.  Mostly.  Other conferences started with a consultants.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on August 21, 2025, 12:11:58 PMI'm not so naive as to think it's not because of the money, I just wonder if the decades of major financial support was a no-brainer when looking for a new name (something which can be more than contentious), rather than the driver of the new name.

I do not believe you are naive.  And you may be right.  I have been trying to work it out in my head whether or not the Wesleyan in Virginia Wesleyan is a drag on recruiting.  It may well be.

Quote from: Ryan Scott (Hoops Fan) on August 21, 2025, 10:53:47 AMMrs. Batten said they didn't ask for the name change.  I wonder if perhaps "Wesleyan" isn't helpful in recruiting and they were looking for a change anyway?

I am not sure Virginia Wesleyan would do something so disruptive and expensive as changing the name of the university if they did not have the opportunity to bolster their position in the Batten family estate plan. But obviously I have no idea. The name change does distinguish them from West Virginia Wesleyan so that is an advantage.

The future of Division III is providing even more naming opportunities to wealthy donors.  Not so different from the past and present to be honest.

Quote from: ziggy on August 19, 2025, 07:18:02 PMOvernght is another streamer of niche sports.

https://www.overnght.com/

I don't know to what extent they may be a direct competitor with FloSports but it is my understanding they have been in contact with at least one D3 conference in the past (and not one that has signed with Flo).

This is interesting.

There are other services, big and small, that could compete with FloSports.  And Agile has purchased a few of them over the years.

As for the FloSports business model, they have raised a lot of money over the past few years. I assume that they have bigger ambitions than broadcasting Division III sports.

Wikipedia says that FloSports has 300 employees and though that figure is dated, they have probably hired more since adding multiple conferences this year.

If they break even (or slightly exceed) the kick-backs to the conferences, how much do they have to earn from advertisements to pay for the account and media managers, IT and technical services, and executives?

It is interesting to see how many openings they have posted: https://www.flosports.tv/careers/

Quote from: ziggy on August 18, 2025, 02:17:09 PMFor example, one last basketball season's articles following the release of a D3Hoops.com Top 25 in early February contained this gem (link):

QuoteTrine dropped five spots after the inexcusable loss to them 11-6, Calvin

The need for an editor aside, this very much reads as someone who tried to offer analysis based on records and previous rankings alone rather than really knowing the ins-and-outs of the D3 basketball season. The article doesn't even recognize it as the D3HOOPS.COM Top 25, much less provide a link. I know the #d3hoops community did roast the Flo twitter accounts about this and they did start (kind of?) giving acknowledgement.

Maybe we start seeing something of higher quality and value when fall sports gets underway. Maybe.

This is hilarious!