Syracuse returns to IMG

The athletics division of US college Syracuse University has signed a new multi-year multimedia rights deal with IMG after last month electing to break its contract with the agency in favour of seeking a more lucrative agreement.

Revitalising a partnership that began in 1999, IMG will work in conjunction with the university's athletics department to bring national, regional and local media and sponsorship support to the university's athletic programs. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Syracuse University director of athletics Dr. Daryl Gross said: “This new agreement will maximise our interests, allowing us to further support our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom, and compete at the highest level in the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) and nationally for years to come.

“The combination of the IMG College platform with the new leadership, ideas and opportunities brought forth by their new parent company, William Morris Endeavor, will bring us a dynamic and exciting opportunity unrivalled in college sports today.”

Based in the state of New York, Syracuse has partnered with IMG for the past 15 years. However, the university last month announced its decision to break with IMG in a letter to sponsors, adding that it believed its television and multimedia rights were undervalued in the current college sports marketplace.

In other news, WME/IMG has appointed Doug Scott as executive vice-president of marketing and brand solutions. Based in New York, Scott will be responsible for helping activate the agency’s branded content partnerships and expanding its owned and operated properties.

Scott was previously president and founder of OgilvyEntertainment, the branded and original entertainment division of Ogilvy & Mather.