• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 21, 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.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

May 17, 2023; Rochester, New York, USA; A bucket of TaylorMade balls are seen during a practice round of the PGA Championship golf tournament at Oak Hill Country Club.

TaylorMade Sues Callaway Over Rival’s Alleged ‘Mud Balls’ Claims

The two companies are among the largest golf equipment manufacturers.
Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA golfer Bryson DeChambeau plays his shot from the first tee on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
exclusive

Kalshi Tees Up First Athlete Deal With Bryson DeChambeau

The prediction-market platform previously made a deal with the NHL’s Blackhawks.

EuroLeague Defends Its Turf As NBA Pitches League to Investors

EuroLeague threatened legal action if the NBA tries to poach contracted teams.
Jan 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.

LeBron Will Wear Special Jersey Patch for Fanatics Trading Cards

Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, is the NBA’s official trading card licensee.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Darian Mensah (10) celebrates after the Blue Devils score a touchdown in overtime during the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium.

Duke Sues Darian Mensah After QB Enters Portal

He announced his decision on the last day of the portal window.
Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
January 20, 2026

CFP Faces 3 Big Questions About Its Future

The CFP could still expand to 16 teams in 2026.
Zheng
January 20, 2026

NCAA Rules Might Block Columbia Tennis Star From $150K at Australian Open

Zheng is set to graduate from Columbia in the spring.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Mark Cuban shakes hands with D.J. Khaled on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, ahead of the College Football Playoff Championship game at HardRock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
January 20, 2026

College Football’s Billionaire Era Is Officially Here

Mark Cuban helped Indiana make history in the rev-share and NIL era.
January 19, 2026

Indiana ‘Culture’ and Cash Land Stunning First Title

The unlikeliness of Indiana’s historic season cannot be overstated.
January 19, 2026

Record CFP Ticket Back Above $3,000 Ahead of Kickoff

Miami-Indiana is the most expensive CFP national championship game on record.
Jan 17, 2026; Miami, FL, USA; a general view of the University of Miami practice for the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
January 18, 2026

College Football Playoff Meetings End Without Expansion Decision

ESPN has given the CFP a deadline of Jan. 23.