MORGANTOWN, W. Va – The West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced today a five-year extension of its current multi-year corporate partnership with Diversified Energy, which currently serves as the “Official Energy Partner of WVU Athletics.”
Through the renewed sponsorship, the Company will continue to receive significant brand presence with the Mountaineers, including the “Diversified Energy Terrace” and other naming rights to certain areas at Milan Puskar Stadium, while supporting Mountaineer sports, WVU student-athletes, and the community.
The Company’s investment will continue to support WVU Athletics through the Mountaineer Athletic Club, including the Climbing Higher campaign, as well as scholarship initiatives, internships and mentoring specifically designed for minority and female student-athletes as part of Diversified Energy’s broader initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“Diversified Energy is able to make a lasting difference and positive impact with WVU student athletes and youth across the Mountain State through our partnership with WVU,” said Rusty Hutson, Jr., a native of northcentral West Virginia and co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Diversified Energy. “We’re thrilled to renew our long-term partnership through 2031 and appreciate the ability this engagement with WVU provides to fulfill our company’s mission of facilitating opportunity and positive community engagement throughout the areas in which we operate.”
“We appreciate the support that Diversified Energy has provided our student-athletes, staff and fans as the official energy partner of WVU Athletics, and we are thankful to Rusty and his group for the extension of our partnership,” WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “Their involvement in developing our student-athletes on and off the field is a testament to their values in serving the greater West Virginia community. The Mountaineers look forward to many more years of working with this first-class organization and enjoying many great winning moments together.”
The renewal of the comprehensive athletics sponsorship between WVU Athletics and Diversified Energy was secured by Mountaineer Sports Properties, the university’s athletics multimedia rightsholder and locally based LEARFIELD team.
“We are excited to have Diversified Energy extend their role as part of the Mountaineer family of corporate partners, and look forward to continuing to work with their team to expand their impact at WVU,” said Mountaineer Sports Properties’ General Manager Evan Hawkins. “We are thankful for the support from local, regional and national businesses that want to align their brand with the WVU brand, as their support is invaluable to the continued success of Mountaineer athletics.”
About Diversified Energy Company PLC
Diversified Energy Company PLC is an independent energy company engaged in the production, marketing and transportation of primarily natural gas related to its synergistic US onshore upstream and midstream assets.
About WVU Athletics
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at West Virginia University sponsors 18 varsity sports with more than 500 student-athletes competing in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s cross country, football, men’s golf, women’s gymnastics, women’s indoor and outdoor track, rifle, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, women’s tennis, women’s volleyball, women’s rowing and wrestling.
About LEARFIELD
LEARFIELD is 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. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.