A landmark agreement between the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa PBS will see key high school sporting events broadcast statewide from the 2025-26 academic year. The partnership ensures free access to football, boys wrestling, and boys basketball championship games through Iowa PBS's extensive network. This collaboration marks a significant shift as these events transition from their previous broadcasting arrangement with the Iowa High School Sports Network. Not only will this provide greater accessibility for fans across all 99 counties of Iowa, but it also highlights the growing importance of showcasing student-athletes' stories and achievements.

Details of the New Broadcasting Partnership

In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts in Iowa, a multi-year contract has been established that will bring major high school championships to life on Iowa PBS starting in the 2025-26 school year. Under this new alliance, football finals are scheduled for November 20-21, 2025, at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Boys wrestling championships will take place on February 21, 2026, while boys basketball titles will be contested on March 13, 2026, both held at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. With this move, Iowa PBS extends its award-winning coverage, previously focused on girls’ sports, to include boys’ high school athletics. Executive director Andrew Batt of Iowa PBS expressed enthusiasm about expanding their reach and ensuring every Iowan can experience these thrilling competitions.

This decision not only strengthens the visibility of local athletes but also celebrates the broader community impact these events have. Tom Keating, executive director of the IHSAA, emphasized the importance of providing easy and cost-free access to fans throughout the state. In addition to broadcasting, special programs highlighting student-athletes and their contributions will further enrich viewers' experiences.

From a journalistic perspective, this announcement underscores the evolving nature of media partnerships in sports broadcasting. It signifies a commitment to democratizing access to sports content and fostering deeper connections between communities and their young athletes. By embracing free streaming options alongside traditional television broadcasts, Iowa PBS is setting a precedent for other states looking to enhance their high school sports coverage.