OneUp Sports

OneUp Sports, founded in 2011 by Daren Trousdell, operated as a digital sports media company focused on hyper-local content. Initially based in Florida, the company aimed to create a vast network for distributing local sports news and video content. Its business model centered on producing content with in-market reporters and distributing it through a network of over 2,000 local publishing partners, primarily newspaper-affiliated websites. Revenue was generated through the sale of standard video ads and branded content, with revenue often split with content partners.

To expand its capabilities, OneUp Sports pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy. In April 2015, it acquired Tixers, a ticket exchange platform that allowed fans to trade unused tickets for credit, integrating a new revenue stream into its team-focused mobile apps. This was followed by the acquisition of digital video company CineSport in September 2015, which significantly enhanced OneUp's video technology and production capabilities. In October 2016, the company acquired Insider Sports, which ran the websites Basketball Insiders and Football Insiders, to further bolster its content creation and distribution network. At its peak, the company had 75 employees, 500 contributors, and had raised a total of $25 million in funding.

OneUp Sports developed mobile applications for professional sports teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Maple Leafs, and held licensing partnerships with major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and NASCAR. These platforms offered fans a second-screen experience with live-play social games and real-time updates. Despite its growth and a series of acquisitions, the company eventually ceased operations, with data indicating it was out of business by November 2019.

Keywords: digital sports media, hyper-local content, video content distribution, sports advertising, mobile sports apps, ticket exchange, content syndication, sports journalism, fan engagement, athlete partnerships