Tuesday, June 23, 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

NCAA Approves New ‘Age-Based’ Eligibility Rule

Two attorneys are preparing lawsuits on behalf of at least 50 players.
Jun 14, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Justin Gaethje (blue gloves) fights Ilia Topuria (red gloves) during the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House South Lawn.

UFC Leans Further In to AI With New Meta Rankings

The ranking system debuted with multiple issues.

Golden Knights Owner Joins Race for Vegas NBA Expansion Team

The Golden Knights owner is leaning partially on his successful NHL track record.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation With Tight End University’s Greg Olsen

0:00

Featured Today

Why U.S. Open Host Sites Are on a 25-Year Plan

The U.S. Open has already picked out 22 future sites through 2051.
Wisconsin Badgers forward Laila Edwards, left, and defender Caroline Harvey celebrate after Edwards scored against the Minnesota Gophers in the first period in a game Saturday, February 8, 2025, at LaBahn Arena in Madison, Wisconsin.
June 15, 2026

Two Rookies Are Rewriting Women’s Hockey Stardom

Their platforms are a mutual boon for the PWHL and its players.
Ai sports slop
June 5, 2026

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.
Mar 21, 2026; Storrs, CT, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Jada Williams (8) returns then ball against the Syracuse Orange in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

Women’s Basketball Players Blast College Sports Bill

“Where we disagree is—Congress shouldn’t be deciding who makes those rules.”
Jan 28, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, begins a hearing to examine the Panama Canal and its impact on U.S. trade and national security, focusing on fees and foreign influence on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY
June 18, 2026

Landmark College Sports Bill Advances Toward Senate Vote

The SEC and Big Ten remain opposed to the bill.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) listens as Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) speaks during a hearing on the “Protect College Sports Act” before the Senate Commerce Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 3, 2026.
June 18, 2026

Ten Pro Sports Unions Criticize Bipartisan College Sports Bill

“The bill further silences college athletes’ voices on the job,” the AFL-CIO said.
Sponsored

How Daktronics Is Reshaping the Modern MLB Ballpark Experience

The technology powering baseball’s next chapter.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) listens as Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) speaks during a hearing on the “Protect College Sports Act” before the Senate Commerce Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 3, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci
June 16, 2026

Amended College Sports Bill Leaves SEC, Big Ten Concerns Intact

The amended bill doesn’t alleviate the Big Ten and SEC’s biggest concerns.
June 15, 2026

Sorsby Leaves Texas Tech, Declares for NFL Supplemental Draft

The news comes hours after the Big 12 sued 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 15, 2026

Big 12 Sues Texas Tech, Texas AG Over Potential Sorsby Sanctions

The lawsuit comes one week after Sorsby was granted an injunction.
Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby runs with the ball during the spring football game, Friday, April 17, 2026, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
June 12, 2026

Big 12 Mulls Brendan Sorsby Options as Legal Threats Loom

Both Sorsby’s legal team and Texas’s AG sent letters to the conference.