Under the partnership, IMG will manage all rights with the exception of radio, which will become part of the agreement after UConn’s contract with WTIC expires in three years. UConn is encouraging IMG to maintain the relationship with WTIC as the University’s flagship radio station upon expiration of the current agreement. UConn will continue to manage its existing women’s basketball broadcast contract with Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and its 10-year apparel agreement with Nike. The UConn Division of Athletics will also derive additional financial benefits as IMG College will be responsible for a portion of the Division’s operating expenses in support of marketing and corporate sponsorships.
In addition IMG College will handle the rights associated with corporate partners, on-site opportunities, signage, corporate suites, game programs and all online components.
UConn’s Director of Athletics, Jeffrey Hathaway, said: “We are pleased to partner with IMG College as have a select number of the nation’s preeminent higher education institutions. This exciting partnership will provide the Division a stable revenue stream to assist in supporting our intercollegiate athletics program. The partnership represents an ‘insurance policy’ during challenging economic times and, as our marketing assets are further developed, provides UConn an opportunity to grow sponsorship income through revenue sharing. UConn and IMG represent two outstanding brands, and we are confident that this partnership will foster new opportunities for our Division of Athletics.”
The contract, which was approved by the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees now goes to the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Connecticut for final approval.
IMG College, a division of IMG Worldwide, agreed a 10-year, $80 million
multi-media rights partnership with the University of Connecticut .
