JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State Athletics has extended its multimedia rights relationship with LEARFIELD as announced on Tuesday by Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton.
LEARFIELD has represented A-State since 2016. The new multimedia rights agreement is for 10 years. Locally based Red Wolves Sports Properties, led by General Manager John Finch, will continue to have daily oversight of the LEARFIELD relationship and work alongside Purinton and his administration on the integrated components. Additionally, Red Wolves Sports Properties maintains the corporate partner platform, managing all direct relationships with local, regional and national brands wanting to align with Arkansas State Athletics.
“Well-known as an industry leader in the collegiate athletics multimedia space, LEARFIELD has proven itself as an outstanding partner that has played a significant role elevating Arkansas State Athletics from both a branding and financial standpoint,” said Purinton. “Our multimedia rights arrangement was one of our top priorities when I arrived at A-State and required immediate attention with the contract close to expiration. We’re excited we were able to secure this extended agreement with LEARFIELD that will provide us important continuity and continued access to their valuable resources through 2032.
“I want to thank (LEARFIELD CEO) Cole Gahagan and the LEARFIELD executive team, along with John Finch and our Red Wolves Sports Properties staff here in Jonesboro. I also want to express our appreciation to LEONA for serving as a consultant to our athletics department and the Red Wolves Foundation during the process that led to our extension with LEARFIELD.”
“Jeff is a tremendous leader, whom we’ve had the pleasure of working with before he arrived in Jonesboro, and we’re elated to continue representing the Red Wolves,” said Mike Hamilton, LEARFIELD Executive Vice President, University Partnership Group. “It’s our job as their deeply rooted partner to understand when and how to lean in as the industry continues to shift and evolve. We welcome those opportunities with our university partners and look forward to further teaming with Athletics on big ideas around NIL, fan engagement, content and all other key matters to continue growing the Red Wolves’ brand.”
LEARFIELD a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.