KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Learfield, the exclusive multimedia rightsholder for the University of Tennessee Athletic Department, has announced the retirement of long-time Vol Network Vice President & General Manager, Steve Early, culminating a highly successful 34-year career at Tennessee. Brandon Parks, a 25-year Vol Network veteran and accomplished Learfield sales executive, will succeed Early as General Manager working alongside long-time Vol Network Executive Director, Glenn Thackston, and the local Learfield team.
Early’s Tennessee tenure began in 1991 and throughout the next three decades the Vol Network experienced unprecedented growth. Over this period, the Vol Network cemented its status as one of the preeminent sports marketing enterprises in all of college sports. In addition to the Network’s legendary radio and TV programming, Learfield’s Vol Network runs point on all sources of sponsorship revenue for University Athletics and is a market leader with respect to digital and social content, in-venue signage, coaches endorsements, and Intellectual Property usage.
The Network’s performance over the long haul has been a source of pride for Early. “It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to serve my alma mater,” said Early. “I’m incredibly proud of the Vol Network staff, the culture we have built, and the results we have consistently generated. And I’m beyond excited that our momentum will continue under the proven leadership of Brandon Parks as well as Glenn Thackston and our entire team. This is a team of true professionals who bleed orange.”
During his career, Early oversaw the extension and expansion of the University of Tennessee-Vol Network rights in both 2007 and 2021. The University and Learfield have announced that Early will remain with the property in a new role as Special Advisor to the Vol Network. Early’s 34-year run ties the late John Ward and Edwin Huster, Jr. as the longest-serving executives in Vol Network history.
Parks brings executive-level sales leadership and sports sponsorship experience to the Vol Network, which he has garnered in his 25 years with the property. He first joined the team as an account executive in 2000. Throughout his career with the Vol Network, Parks held various roles, including Director of Sales and Associate General Manager, where his strategic vision was instrumental in driving growth and innovation.
As General Manager, Parks will serve as the primary Learfield liaison related to the university’s comprehensive athletics multimedia rights agreement and corporate partner platform. He will work closely with Danny White, Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director and the entire athletics administration on all aspects of the Learfield/Vols relationship.
“With the dynamic evolution of collegiate athletics, it is essential to embrace a forward-thinking approach to our sponsorship programs to fully capitalize on the opportunities available to our teams,” stated Danny White. “Steve Early has successfully positioned the Volunteers at the cutting edge of this industry for an impressive duration. With Brandon’s extensive relationships with our corporate sponsors, he will effectively cultivate new sponsorship categories, drive additional revenue, and create impactful Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Brandon has great vision, drive and a love for the Big Orange that will serve him well in this role.”
“Promoting Brandon to General Manager of the Vol Network was a natural decision,” said Kim Damron, Learfield’s President of Sports Properties. “His tenure at the property, along with his expertise in fostering enduring relationships and implementing innovative revenue strategies, will be instrumental in evolving the future of the Vol Network, which is thriving in partnership with Danny and the University of Tennessee Athletics. I also want to thank Steve Early for his years of service, success and commitment to the Vol Network.”
“I am honored to step into the role of General Manager at the Vol Network,” remarked Parks, a University of Tennessee alumnus with a B.A. from the Haslam College of Business. “Working alongside Steve, Glenn, and our talented team members for the last 25 years has prepared me to lead the Vol Network to build upon Tennessee’s already remarkable achievements.”
In addition to its flagship multimedia rights division, the University of Tennessee also utilizes Learfield’s digital solutions leader SIDEARM Sports and licensed merchandise agency CLC.
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.