• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 4, 2024

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

Nov 2, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee leads SMU on to the field before the game between the Southern Methodist Mustangs and the Pittsburgh Panthers at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Every Power 4 Championship Game Will Have a Conference Newcomer

Oregon, SMU, Texas, and Arizona State will all play for titles.

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Nov 1, 2024; Boise, Idaho, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) leads the team onto the field prior to the first quarter against the San Diego State Aztecs at Albertsons Stadium.

Schools Are Scrambling to Prepare for the NCAA Revenue-Sharing Era

In the post–House v. NCAA world, “everyone’s kind of on their own.”

Featured Today

Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Recording artist Taylor Swift arrives prior to a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 29, 2024

The PWHL Could Be Inviting a Date With Taylor Swift’s Legal Team

The Toronto Sceptres may have opened a Pandora’s box of trademark issues.
November 23, 2024

Can an Elite Women’s Soccer School Survive the New College Sports Moneyball?

Santa Clara faces an uphill battle in the new college sports landscape.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) celebrates after defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 2024 NWSL Playoffs semifinal match at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit:
November 22, 2024

The Washington Spirit’s Business Makeover Carried Them to the Finals

The team’s return to the NWSL championship looks a lot different from 2021.

Big Ten, SEC Dominate; Alabama Ranks 11th As CFP Picture Sharpens

The final rankings before conference championship games are out.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Derek Eusebio (83) drinks out of the Territorial Cup at the end of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
December 2, 2024

IRS Says Tax Enforcement of Nonprofit NIL Collectives Is 2025 Priority

Many NIL collectives are registered as tax-exempt organizations.
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables celebrates with fans after a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Oklahoma won 24-3.
December 2, 2024

SEC’s $1.6M Field-Storming Fiasco: Fines Pile Up After Celebrations

There were eight field stormings in the SEC this fall.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
December 2, 2024

Fired CFB Coaches Owed More Than $36M in Buyouts So Far

West Virginia will pay Neal Brown nearly $10 million.
A University of Michigan police officer sprays pepper spray as Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes fight following the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. Michigan won 13-10.
December 2, 2024

Ohio State and Michigan Kick Off Fines for Flag-Planting-Filled Saturday

Ohio State PD used pepper spray on players to stop a brawl.
December 1, 2024

Ohio State’s Loss and Rivalry Weekend Chaos Shake Up CFP Race

Ohio State will not compete for the Big Ten championship.
November 27, 2024

Who Is Jolin, the Mystery Woman Fueling Michigan’s Recruiting Boom?

Little is known about the woman with ties to billionaire Larry Ellison.