Tuesday, July 7, 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

The USMNT Failed to Meet the Moment. Seattle Did Not

Seattle put on a show for the World Cup knockout match.
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ducks’ $90M Carlsson Decision Looms

The Flyers’ offer for the emerging star sets an NHL salary record.
First at FOS

FIFA Quietly Suspended U.S. Soccer Officials Before Belgium Match

U.S. Soccer confirmed the suspensions but did not comment.

IOC Reinstates Russian Olympic Committee Ahead of LA28

The IOC said Russia’s participation is at the discretion of international federations.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/7/26 – USMNT Eliminated by Belgium, Trump’s FIFA Call Scrutinized, Tiger Woods Sells Golf Simulator Company, Giannis Heads to Miami

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; General view of the Pac-12 logo on the field before the game between the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

New Pac-12 Only FBS Conference Not Hosting Media Days

The Pac-12 is expanding from two to eight teams this season.
July 2, 2026

Pair of Merging D-II Schools Sue Conference That Kicked One Out

Ursuline College’s athletic recruiting and scheduling are being drastically impacted. 
July 5, 2026

FBI Arrests Ex-College Hoops Player in Multimillion-Dollar Fraud Case

Kerr Kriisa played for Kentucky, West Virginia, Cincinnati, and Arizona between 2020 and 2026.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
June 28, 2026

College Sports Roster Spending Soars Beyond $20.5M Rev-Share Cap

The $20.5 million rev-share cap was a new floor for roster costs.
June 26, 2026

West Virginia AD: McAfee’s Value to School ‘Maybe Eight Figures’

The sports media star played at West Virginia nearly two decades ago.
Nov 22, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs the ball into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Beaver Stadium.
June 25, 2026

Court Hands NCAA, Conferences Win in Fight Over NIL Enforcement

Schools are still going above the revenue-sharing cap.
June 25, 2026

The Clippers Have Innovated the NCAA Draft-and-Stash

No. 57 pick Narcisse Ngoy will still play for Auburn this season.