To fund a pod purchase in the next budget cycle, start planning at least a cycle ahead: define the program goal, pick a deployment size, collect a written quote and line up funding sources before your budget deadline. The Esport Pod by Sports Media, Inc. is sold in deployments of 10, 20 or 30 pods, which makes it easy to size a request.
Key takeaways
- Deployments cost $300,000 (10 pods), $600,000 (20) or $900,000 (30), including installation, training and sponsorship support.
- Get a written quote early so your finance office has real numbers.
- Check which of your own funding sources fit esports, CTE or technology; we won't name specific grants here.
- Sponsorship can be one part of the funding picture, never a guarantee.
How much should you plan to request?
Plan around the deployment tier that matches your program: $300,000 for 10 pods, $600,000 for 20 or $900,000 for 30, about $30,000 per pod. Those prices include installation, training and sponsorship support from Sports Media, Inc.
Optional extras are priced separately: VR at $1,499, a T248 wheel set at $599.99 and a TSS handbrake at $285. Decide early whether you want them, because it's easier to put them in the first request than to amend a budget later.
What funding sources should you look into?
Look at the sources your organization already controls or can apply to, then ask your business office which ones allow technology, CTE or student engagement purchases. Eligibility rules differ by state, district and institution, so we can't tell you which will apply to you.
- Operating or capital budgets: the most direct path if you plan a cycle ahead.
- CTE and workforce funds: may apply if your program ties to coursework and skills.
- Technology or facilities funds: worth asking about for hardware purchases.
- Grants and partnerships: check eligibility with the funder, since terms vary.
- Sponsorship: a possible offset, discussed below.
What does a good year-end planning timeline look like?
Work backward from your budget deadline. Ask for a written quote first, since that's the document everyone else will want to see.
- Request a demo and a written quote. We provide the quote within one business day of the demo.
- Draft a one-page program rationale: who it serves, where pods will live and how you'll measure use.
- Meet with finance and IT to confirm purchasing rules, space, power (standard 110V) and network needs.
- Submit the request in the format your office requires.
- Plan staff training and a launch date for after the approval.
Don't treat this as a promise of fast approval. Public budget processes have their own pace, and starting early is the one thing you control.
Can sponsorship help offset the cost?
It can, but treat it as upside rather than a base assumption. Sponsors may be interested in digital rights, NIL access for student athletes, intellectual property, pod usage rights and broadcast or OTT rights. The Fanz network, with a community of 200k+ across Twitch, YouTube and social, gives sponsors an audience to reach.
Sports Media, Inc. includes sponsorship support in each deployment. Whether a sponsor commits, and at what level, depends on your market and program, so don't build your core budget around it. Our sponsorship page explains the structure.
What should be in your internal business case?
Keep it short and concrete. Decision makers want to know who benefits, what it costs, what it needs and how you'll know it worked.
- Student groups served and the program they connect to (clubs, CTE, JROTC, library programs).
- Deployment size, total cost and any optional add-ons.
- Logistics: pods roll on wheels, fit through standard doors and elevators, and need a standard outlet.
- A usage and reporting plan you can share a year later.
Frequently asked questions
Can we buy a single pod?
Pods are sold in deployments of 10, 20 or 30 units. If your program is smaller, talk to us about what fits. We'll review your situation and explain the options openly, rather than pushing you toward a size you don't need.
What is included in the deployment price?
Each deployment includes the pods, installation, training and sponsorship support from Sports Media, Inc. VR, extra wheel sets and handbrakes are optional and priced separately. Confirm the full scope in the written quote, which you'll receive within one business day after a demo.
Which grants can pay for a pod?
We don't name specific grants, because eligibility depends on your state, institution and the funder's current rules. Ask your business office and any funders you work with whether esports or CTE technology purchases qualify, and use our written quote to support the application.
When should we start planning?
As early as possible, ideally one budget cycle before you want pods in place. Starting early gives you time for the quote, internal reviews and any funding applications. It also keeps you from rushing a decision that affects many students.
When you're ready to put numbers on paper, book a demo and we'll send a written quote within one business day. You can also review the pod specifications or contact us with questions for your finance team.
