Heartland Sports Network Joins Sports Tech HQ Collective to Power the Future of Free Local Sports Streaming

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — JEDtv Sports Network, a regional sports broadcaster dedicated to amplifying high school and local college athletics, has become the newest member of the Sports Tech HQ Collective. As part of its continued growth and rebrand to the Heartland Sports Network, the company joins a curated group of sports technology innovators shaping the future of media, access, and community-driven sports coverage across Indiana and the Midwest.

Founded with a mission to fill the gap in local sports coverage, Heartland Sports Network delivers free, live streaming of football, basketball, and other high school and small-college sports—ensuring student-athletes receive meaningful exposure while fans can support their hometown teams without paywalls. The platform is available across Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Android, smart TVs, and the web, making local sports more accessible than ever.

“Joining the Sports Tech HQ Collective is an important step forward for Heartland Sports Network as we continue to scale our free, community-first model,” said Sam Michel, COO of Heartland Sports Network. “This partnership connects us with innovators who understand that the future of sports media is accessible, technology-driven, and rooted in local impact. We’re proud to represent Northwest Indiana as we expand our platform and create more opportunities for student-athletes, schools, and local businesses.”

A Free-to-Watch Model Built for Communities

At the heart of Heartland Sports Network’s approach is a simple but powerful idea: fans watch for free, local businesses sponsor, and schools benefit. This advertiser-supported model allows communities to rally around local athletics while generating new revenue streams for schools—without forcing families behind subscription barriers.

Heartland Sports Network has experienced rapid momentum, growing its affiliate network more than 7x in five years, broadcasting 1,000+ games annually, and expanding partnerships with more than 20 schools and colleges across Northwest Indiana. The platform has also seen significant increases in watch hours and advertising revenue as free, ad-supported streaming continues to gain traction nationwide. 

Transitioning to the Heartland Sports Network

As part of its evolution, JEDtv is rebranding to Heartland Sports Network to better reflect its expanding regional footprint and long-term vision. While the name and app transition is underway, the mission remains the same: elevate local athletes, strengthen community connection, and modernize how hometown sports are experienced.

“Heartland Sports Network represents the future of local sports media: community-first, accessible, and powered by smart technology,” said Jeff Hintz, Executive Director of Sports Tech HQ. “Their free-to-watch model aligns perfectly with our mission to support innovation that expands opportunity, visibility, and impact across the sports ecosystem. We’re excited to welcome them into the Collective as they continue to scale.”

Through the Sports Tech HQ Collective, Heartland Sports Network will gain access to Indiana’s robust sports innovation ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and growth resources as it expands across the Heartland and beyond.

ABOUT SPORTS TECH HQ 

Sports Tech HQ is a nonprofit organization fueling Indiana’s transformation into a global hub for sports technology. Home to a world-class sports infrastructure, Indiana provides the foundation for entrepreneurs to advance innovations that elevate the game for fans, athletes, and teams. Sports Tech HQ attracts companies from around the world to join its collective, positioning them at the forefront of an industry projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Discover how these companies are driving the future of sports through Indiana’s robust ecosystem of partners at sthq.org.

ABOUT JEDTV

JEDtv Sports Network, transitioning to Heartland Sports Network, is a regional sports broadcaster focused on high school and local college athletics. The platform provides free, live streaming of games, highlights, coaches’ shows, and athlete features across streaming devices, smart TVs, mobile apps, and the web. Supported by local business sponsorships, Heartland Sports Network delivers meaningful exposure for student-athletes while generating revenue for schools and communities. Learn more at heartlandsportsnet.com.