University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Multimedia Rights Partnership Extended
October 28, 2015 | Bruin Athletics
LOS ANGELES – UCLA Athletics and WME | IMG have agreed to a 10-year extension of their current multimedia rights partnership, it was announced today by UCLA Director of Athletics Dan Guerrero.
“Over the years, we have developed a strong working relationship with WME | IMG and are very excited to keep this successful partnership intact for the next decade,” said Guerrero. “With WME's acquisition of IMG still relatively new, we have yet to see the full potential of this industry juggernaut and look forward to growing alongside them. Their substantial financial commitment ensures that UCLA Athletics will continue in its ability to best serve the student-athlete, fostering both an athletic and academic experience that is second to none.”
Through WME | IMG's representation, UCLA has enjoyed the support of major national brands – from BMW to Coca-Cola to UPS among others – while building relationships with companies that are unique to Los Angeles and proudly serve the local market.
“IMG is proud to extend our partnership supporting UCLA Athletics," said Jason Lublin, Global COO of WME | IMG and President of IMG College. “UCLA is one of our nation's premier universities and the most decorated sports program in NCAA history, achieving on-the-field accomplishments while providing countless opportunities for student-athletes. We are excited to continue helping UCLA build its brand and grow its partner base through increased opportunities to market the university.”
From the time the initial deal with ISP was signed in 2005-06 (ISP merged with IMG in the fall of 2010) to today, the athletic department's expense budget has doubled from $48 million to a projected total of $96 million by the end of 2015-16.
With hard dollar costs increasing across the board for student-athlete support in scholarships/tuition, travel, equipment, facility upgrades, insurance premiums and welcome new allowances for improved nutritional wellness and full cost of attendance, WME | IMG's financial commitment helps UCLA Athletics maintain competitiveness among its Big 5 Conference counterparts in spite of a growing revenue gap between these conferences.
The partnership, which runs through the 2025-26 academic year, includes WME | IMG's continued representation and management of game broadcasts and coaches' shows for radio, publications, web and social media sales, corporate partnerships and naming rights, stadium and venue signage, game promotions and hospitality.
About WME | IMG
WME | IMG is a global leader in sports, events, media and fashion, operating in more than 25 countries. The company represents and manages some of the world's greatest sports figures and fashion icons; stages thousands of live events and branded entertainment experiences annually; and is the world's largest independent producer and distributor of sports media. WME | IMG also specializes in sports training; league development; and marketing, media and licensing for brands, sports organizations and collegiate institutions. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world's leading entertainment agency, to form WME | IMG.
