Wednesday, September 9, 2026
The FOS App is Live Download It Now

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

Breaking

LSU Will Not Roster Former NFL Players Wright, Harris

It’s unclear if de-escalation will be enough to end the litigation altogether.

MAC Asks NCAA, CFP to Overturn Western Michigan Loss

The conference had previously implied that it accepted the game’s outcome.

LIV Files for Bankruptcy As Fight for Survival Continues

LIV also announced a restructuring support agreement with BC Partners.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/8/26 – Big Ten Replay Controversy, Goodell’s Four-Year Extension, LeBron Picks Polymarket

0:00

Featured Today

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Aug 3, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) kisses the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after her match against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
August 30, 2026

How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation

A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to a touchdown by quarterback Sam Leavitt (not pictured) against Clemson Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Opinion

Lane Kiffin’s Villain Act Has Made Him College Football’s Biggest Story

Kiffin’s first season at LSU has already been eventful in multiple ways.
September 7, 2026

Big 12 Withdraws Lawsuit Against Texas Tech As New Season Begins

Brendan Sorsby left the school shortly after the lawsuit was filed.
September 8, 2026

SEC Seeks Legal Right to Expel LSU

The conference is pressing on with its battle with Lane Kiffin.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
September 7, 2026

FCS Schools Got Paid $1M For FBS Upsets in Week 1

Three Group of 6 (non-power conference) teams were victims on Saturday.
September 7, 2026

Belichick, UNC Avoid Investigation Questions With Program In Flux

The Tar Heels had a bye week after upsetting TCU in Week 0.
September 6, 2026

WMU Refuses to Blame Refs, Big Ten for Last-Second Loss

“Don’t feel sorry for us,” said head coach Lance Taylor.
Sep 5, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin reacts to a play against Clemson Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium
September 6, 2026

LSU’s Kiffin Era Begins With Blowout Win Amid Legal Battle

LSU notched a decisive first win amid its brief legal detente.