Monday, September 21, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

NFL Scoring Plummets After Season Started With Ratings Dip

Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels left with what looked like serious injuries.

Chambliss Steals the Show During Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Return

Chambliss stayed at Ole Miss instead of following Kiffin to LSU.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/21/26 – WPBL Boardroom Battle, Jed York Discipline Looms, LeBron’s $15M Polymarket Deal

0:00

Featured Today

Hot & Social/Mets

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”
September 17, 2026

Fantasy Football Drafts Are Turning Into Full-Blown Vacations

Leagues are forgoing solo drafts and replacing them with in-person getaways.
Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena
September 10, 2026

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 6, 2026

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

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

Weather Delays Scramble ESPN College Football Coverage

A number of delays shifted games around ESPN’s platforms.
September 19, 2026

College Students Have Won $2.2M in Pat McAfee Kicking Contest

Students took home $2.7 million in 2025.
September 19, 2026

Clemson Engineers Comeback Win Over UNC After Lightning Delay

The game ended in front of a sea of empty seats.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Tigers Head Coach Lane Kiffin, LSU Tigers take on the LA Tech Bulldogs. September 12, 2026; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
September 19, 2026

How Lane Kiffin Built College Football’s Most Anticipated Game

Kiffin’s return to Oxford has been nearly 10 months in the making.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA) talks with reporters as he arrives prior to the vote in the House of Representatives on its version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 22, 2026.
September 18, 2026

College Sports Bill Faces Uphill Battle in the House

“The stars have to align in the House for the bill to pass.”
Florida State Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell watches the replay. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 34-17 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.
September 18, 2026

Norvell’s $48M Buyout Comes Into Focus As FSU Faces Alabama

Florida State fired its AD earlier this week.
Hawkeye and Oregon fans gather for FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff Nov. 8, 2025 in front of the Old Capitol Building on the University of Iowa Campus in Iowa City, Iowa.
September 17, 2026

College Football’s London Debut Brings Big Opportunity for Fox

Kansas and Arizona State are facing off at Wembley Stadium.