Thursday, June 11, 2026

Q&A: Learfield IMG College’s Cole Gahagan

  • Gahagan said NIL rule changes will “be big. It’s probably going to be complex.”
  • Fans will come back hungrier for sports, presenting a big opportunity for marketers.
Photo Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports

On the latest episode of Fundamentals with Ian Thomas, Learfield IMG College President and CEO Cole Gahagan talked all things college sports marketing, including the direction of his company, the effects of COVID-19 on the industry and the potential impact of NIL rule changes.

Learfield IMG College’s focus going forward:
– Continued investment in data aggregation and mining to understand fans.
– Creating a “true media company that’s engaging to fans and compelling to brand partners.”
– Extend traditional sports marketing beyond the stadium or arena.

On COVID-19: “Irrefutably, the next several years will be very different than what we’ve known and as a result we’re all pivoting. Everybody is having to think about his business differently today than we did 60-90 days ago.”

On NIL rule developments: “No matter what shakes out on the heels of these recommendations, it’s going to be big. It’s probably going to be complex.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) makes a game-winning tip shot against San Antonio Spurs guards Dylan Harper (2) and Devin Vassell (24) during game four of the 2026 NBA Finals in the final second of the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
opinion

Knicks-Spurs Finals Is Showing the NBA at Its Best

A 29-point comeback and record ratings have the sports world buzzing.

NFLPA Calls Out Owners As Stadiums Swap Turf for World Cup Grass

Eleven NFL venues will host matches during the World Cup.
June 10, 2026; Greensboro, North Carolina, U.S.; Norway's Erling Haaland during training.

World Cup Ticket Prices Remain Stubbornly High As Games Begin

Average get-in resale prices are rising in every group-stage location.
Landon Donovan discusses investment opportunities with the NWSL.

Landon Donovan: NWSL Is ‘Best Investment in Sports’

The former USMNT pointed to the USWNT’s success as proof.

Featured Today

Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.

Texas Tech Boycott Could Cost Non-Conference Opponents Millions

Oregon State would have to pay Texas Tech $1 million to cancel its matchup.
NCAA golf chaampionships
June 9, 2026

NCAA Golf Hosts Ready to Bid on Championship Extension

The North Course at Omni La Costa in Carlsbad has hosted for three years.
June 10, 2026

Sorsby Ruling Could Become Flashpoint for College Sports Bill

It’s unclear if the bill would prevent Sorsby from suing for eligibility.
Sponsored

World Cup Betting Preview: Big Kickoff in USA, Canada, and Mexico

A look at the key betting storylines with BetMGM heading into the tournament, including favorites, dark horses, and top scorer odds.
June 9, 2026

Big Ten, SEC Schools Call for Texas Tech Boycott After Sorsby Ruling

Georgia and Nebraska have already decided to boycott Texas Tech.
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby goes through warmups before the spring football game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
June 8, 2026

Judge Grants Injunction, Brendan Sorsby Set to Be Eligible for 2026

The Texas Tech quarterback sued the NCAA after seeking treatment for gambling.
June 3, 2026

Expensive Texas Tech Roster Brings New Fans to College Softball

NIL discussion and transfer controversies are drawing attention to the Red Raiders.
June 3, 2026

ACC’s Brazil CFB Game Scrapped With Return to Virginia

NC State and Virginia were set to face off in Rio de Janeiro.