Local Contributors Power Content

Overtime built a sports media empire by creating a community-powered content network focused on grassroots basketball, leveraging social media platforms instead of traditional media channels.

Key Points:

• Core Strategy:

  • Built as an Instagram-first media company focused on basketball culture
  • Targeted high school prospects and emerging talent instead of pro leagues
  • Created content distribution network through social media platforms

• Content Acquisition Model:

  • Found local photographers/videographers through social media
  • Key contributors were everyday people:
    • A plumber who shot games on weekends
    • A student in a wheelchair with courtside access
  • Got exclusive access to emerging talents like Zion Williamson

• Growth Strategy:

  • Offered free content to ESPN with watermark/tag requirements
  • Used traditional media's distribution to build their brand
  • Focused on quick clip submission and distribution

• Revenue Streams:

  • Sponsorships
  • Created their own basketball league as alternative to NCAA
  • Media rights and content licensing

• Market Insight:

  • Discovered kids choose favorite teams/players around age 10-12
  • Found younger audiences weren't watching traditional TV
  • Identified video games and social media as key channels for reaching youth