Atlanta-based 2080 Media, Inc., which operates as PlayOn! Sports (PlayOn), today announced the completion of a Series D round of financing totaling $26 million led by Indianapolis-based Herff Jones, Inc., and includes existing investors Buckhead Investment Partners, Hamilton Ventures, and Imlay Investments. The company will use the funding to support new growth initiatives, including the recently announced NFHS Network, and to expand other strategic priorities. The partnership between PlayOn and Herff Jones also includes commercial relationships to expand PlayOn’s School Broadcast Program and to jointly market the companies’ products and services.
Herff Jones is a leading provider of graduation, recognition, sports and school spirit products and services. Its offerings include yearbooks, class rings, caps and gowns, diplomas, educational products, cheerleading training camps, competitions and uniforms. Through its recent acquisition of BSN Sports, Herff is also now a leading direct supplier of sports uniforms, apparel and equipment.
PlayOn is the leading rights holder, producer, and aggregator of high school sports events distributed across television, the Internet, and IP-video enabled mobile devices. PlayOn recently announced a joint venture with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to create the NFHS Network. The all-digital network, to launch in mid-August, will feature comprehensive coverage of boys and girls high school sports and activities through the Federation’s participating state association members.
‘Working with Herff Jones is a tremendous opportunity for PlayOn! Sports,’ said David Rudolph, CEO of PlayOn! Sports. ‘Partnering with the proven leader in the high school space across their multiple products and services will allow us to rapidly expand and deepen our relationships.’
‘Herff Jones is excited to partner with PlayOn! Sports as they continue to solidify their position as the leader in the high school sports media,’ said Jeff Webb, CEO at Herff Jones, Inc. ‘Our shared goals of providing services to schools and value to students by preserving high school memories make PlayOn and Herff Jones natural partners.’
About PlayOn! Sports
PlayOn! Sports is the largest rights holder, producer, and aggregator of high school sports events distributed across television, the Internet, and IP-video enabled mobile devices. By combining State Athletic Associations’ postseason content with the regular season events of member schools, PlayOn streams more than 30,000 high school sporting events a year, providing marketers with a unique multi-media platform solution to reach teens, young adults and families. PlayOn is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., with offices in the Southeast, Midwest and California. View the PlayOn! Sports Network at www.playonsports.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook @playonsports.
About Herff Jones
Herff Jones is a leading provider of graduation, achievement and educational products including class rings and jewelry, yearbooks, motivation and recognition tools, educational products, sports uniforms and equipment, as well as cheerleading training camps, competitions and uniforms. The company provides guidance, support and quality products to elementary and middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities, church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams, and corporations. Founded nearly 100 years ago, Herff Jones is an employee-owned organization focused on building long-term relationships through a nationwide network of more than 1,000 trusted, expert sales and service representatives.
