Wetumpka approves sports-network partnership with Elmore County Schools, budgets $1,000 monthly

The Wetumpka City Council discussed and approved a partnership with a local sports-network provider and Elmore County Schools to create a dedicated broadcast and streaming channel for high-school athletics, city officials said on July 21, 2025.

City officials described the Wotonga Sports Network (working with Radio Alabama) as a partner that will provide live radio and online video streaming of Wetumpka High School athletics — including softball, basketball, football and baseball — and will involve students from the school’s journalism program in reporting and filming. City staff said the Elmore County School District will invest in the project as well.

Council material referenced a 2025–26 sponsorship at a cost of $1,000 per month (city contribution), which council members said they have set aside in the tourism/sports-complex budget. Officials framed the network as an economic-development and tourism promotion tool for the sports complex and said the vendor will also aid a video presentation for a proposed performing-arts center.

Why this matters: the program creates media exposure for city sports events, provides student training opportunities in journalism and aims to boost tourism associated with the sports complex. The city said the school district will share costs and that staff anticipate offsetting promotional costs through increased event activity.

Council action: the council approved the sponsorship and partnership; staff said the school district is participating and funds have been set aside.

Ending: Staff will implement the partnership and work with the school district and vendor to begin broadcasts and related promotional activities.