A merger of epic proportions is taking place. According to the Sports Business Journal, IMG College and Learfield are joining forces, uniting the two most powerful multi-media rights and sponsorship holders in the industry.
Industry analysts project that the new company’s joint worth will exceed $2.5 billion dollars. A deal of this magnitude is sure to be heavily examined by the DOJ, and receive heavy anti-trust scrutiny before being finalized.
IMG College, represents close to 90 universities and conferences. Learfield has 130 collegiate partners under its portfolio. In addition, IMG College, through its licensing affiliate, IMG College Licensing, handles the trademark licensing and consumer product rights for over 200 schools, conferences and bowl games. By joining forces they will represent more than 70% of Division I universities. The two companies are already aligned in business with IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions which has been in existence since 2012.
SBJ says the new company will be run by Learfield President and CEO Greg Brown. No word on what role, if any, IMG College President Tim Pernetti or the members of his team would play in the new organization.
Jason Barrett is the President and Founder of Barrett Media since the company was created in September 2015. Prior to its arrival, JB served as a sports radio programmer, launching brands such as 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He also spent time programming SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY. Jason also worked on-air and behind the scenes in local radio at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years on the national stage, producing radio shows for ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT. Among them included the Dan Patrick Show, and GameNight.
You can find JB on Twitter @SportsRadioPD. He’s also reachable by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
