Agreement Includes Enterprise Extensions with CLC, Paciolan and Sidearm Divisions
NEWARK, Dela. – As the University of Delaware Athletics prepares to level up with its impending move to Conference USA, the Blue Hens are now extending their longstanding relationship with Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – signing a multi-year extension to their exclusive multimedia and sponsorship rights agreement.
Delaware and Learfield have been in partnership since 2008 and will now continue that relationship, which also includes multimedia rights for UD Campus Recreation, through 2035. In addition to extending their agreement with the flagship multimedia rights division, Delaware Athletics has also re-signed with Learfield’s digital ticket and marketing platform provider, Paciolan, digital solutions leader, SIDEARM Sports, and licensed merchandise agency, CLC.
“Learfield has been a wonderful partner of the University for a long time, and we are excited to continue working with them,” Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak said. “As we venture into our new era of Delaware Athletics in Conference USA and beyond, this partnership will continue to make a positive impact on our student-athletes, fans, and community.”
The multimedia rights partnership extension unlocks several additional naming rights prospects, providing the opportunity for increased sponsorship revenue to carry the Blue Hens into a new era in Conference USA.
Delaware Athletics has a history of success with innovative programs including sponsorship and in-venue signage, such as the Highmark Medical Tent on the sidelines in Delaware Stadium and the Hen House Powered by the Schell Brothers – a redesigned and reimagined pre-game hospitality area for fans, corporate events and alumni.
As UD looks to expand NIL opportunities as well, the local Chick-Fil-A franchise has conducted the Blue Hens Takeover, placing Blue Hen student-athletes at the counter and in the drive-thru while also signing autographs for fans.
“It’s a privilege for us to work with Chrissi and her entire team as we continue a longtime relationship with the Blue Hens,” said Learfield Executive Vice President Chris Sanders. “We’re excited for the opportunity to help them unlock new revenue streams and continue to grow and succeed as they transition into Conference USA in 2025.”
By aligning with Paciolan, SIDEARM and CLC in addition to Learfield, Delaware Athletics maximizes its opportunities for revenue growth through access to fan data from Learfield’s Fanbase infrastructure, the largest data platform in college athletics. The first-party fan data captured through Paciolan’s ticket sales and SIDEARM’s digital platform use, along with additional fan engagement metrics, are fed directly into Fanbase. These metrics can be used by both CLC and the multimedia rights team, as well as Delaware Athletics staff, to better target Blue Hen fans to sell more tickets and maximize partnership opportunities.
CLC has implemented additional revenue growth strategies to place new products in expanding markets. With SIDEARM, the University of Delaware has a top-of-the-line web and mobile presence with BlueHens.com. Through Paciolan, UD can manage ticket sales and promotions for athletic events, concerts and shows to drive incremental ticket revenue.
About University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation
Located in Newark, Delaware, University of Delaware Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation sponsors 21 varsity sports and three spirit teams. Aiming to achieve excellence together, the department boasts a storied history of 529 All-Americans, 137 conference titles, and 10 national championships. Currently competing in the Coastal Athletic Association, the department will transition to FBS football and become a full-time member of Conference USA, while also adding women’s ice hockey as the 22nd varsity sport – both effective July 1, 2025.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.