In OUA.tv’s first season behind a paywall, the OUA needs to reconsider their decision from the previous summer.
OUA.TV has been the primary streaming provider for Ontario University Athletics since 2014. For the 2025-26 season, it was announced that the previously free access to the platform would now require a paid subscription.
READ MORE: New streaming subscription for OUA.tv draws backlash
The OUA website cites that “better valuing this impressive asset will ensure the platform can be consistently improved upon.” In theory, yes, it makes sense to create a small fee to ensure costs and others are met. However, when you charge more than Netflix with ads, it becomes a stretch.
For the consumer, the cost for a full season all-access pass is $89.99, with sport-specific passes for $39.99, and single-game options for $8.99, while the sport-specific postseason pass is $29.99.
The issue isn’t about whether there should be a pay-wall or not, because the talent and competition in the OUA is a great product, and it should be valued higher. The concern is that when you set a price that just seems high and universal, that makes everyone pay the same is an instant turnoff, especially to students.
What the payment model lacks is a student or athlete discount that would allow more students to be comfortable with purchasing an OUA.tv pass. With the OUA behind a paywall, it makes students disinterested and unconnected.
In a world where everyone has a mini screen in their pocket with unholy amounts of data, why would limiting access be the answer? School spirit and pride are part of the university experience that students are promised, and when your school is on the road at a different school, the students who pay tuition should be able to follow and support from afar without paying a significant amount of money.
Not only do students suffer from this, but family and friends of the athletes themselves, who want to see their kid, grandkid, or neighbour perform at an elite level. The pay-wall further hinders these relationships from continuing as an OUA athlete.
In amateur sports, exposure shouldn’t be limited. These are hard-working athletes and coaches who deserve to have the most eyes on them they can.
Revenue numbers haven’t been released, but losing the access and exposure is far greater than any dollar made.
Tags
OUA, OUA.tv, Streaming, Subscription
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