NIU Athletics Inks New Multimedia Rights Partnership with Van Wagner; Multi-Year Agreement Begins in 2024-25 February 15, 2024
DeKALB, Ill. – Northern Illinois University Athletics has signed a new agreement with Van Wagner, a leading collegiate athletics marketing agency, to become the Huskie Athletics’ new multimedia right holder beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced Thursday.
This strategic partnership aims to not only elevate the visibility and revenue generation capabilities of NIU Athletics but also enhance the overall fan experience and community engagement.
Van Wagner’s comprehensive approach in designing multimedia and sponsorship programs is poised to drive new revenue and benefits to NIU Athletics. This includes improving the game-day experience and creating innovative opportunities for corporate sponsors to connect with the Huskies’ fan base. Van Wagner’s on-site sales and marketing team will work closely with NIU Athletics personnel to build a strategy unique to NIU while taking advantage of the company’s national and regional relationships and resources to strengthen the Huskies’ brand across the country.
“We are excited about welcoming Van Wagner into the Huskie family,” Frazier said. “In this ever-changing landscape of college athletics, the ability to be nimble and strategic about developing partnerships to produce sustainable revenue is critical. Van Wagner has a demonstrated history and passion for delivering on the services they provide, making this partnership and our future extremely positive. Many thanks to our staff and specifically our lead multimedia rights liaison, [Senior Associate Athletic Director] Ryan Sedevie, for all the hard work during this process. Lastly, please join us in supporting Van Wagner as they transition in and help us achieve our many goals and objectives.”
Drawing upon their extensive experience in the collegiate sports industry, Van Wagner has a proven track record of delivering tangible results with a partnership model that maximizes the value of multimedia rights and increases fan engagement on campuses. The agency will build new opportunities for NIU Athletics and for corporate sponsors and media while expanding upon current partnerships. In addition to making strategic investments to improve the overall experience for Huskie fans, Van Wagner will collaborate with NIU leadership on naming rights projects and work side-by-side with student-athletes to help them navigate NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) opportunities.
“The opportunity to work with Sean Frazier, Ryan Sedevie and the entire NIU Huskie family is an absolute privilege,” said Mike Palisi, President of Van Wagner College. “The Huskies continue to lead both on and off the fields and courts of competition and that success starts at the top. We look forward to working together to connect the program and the student-athletes with strategic corporate opportunities and maximize revenue for all.”
As part of the new agreement, Van Wagner will build a highly capable, DeKalb-based team dedicated to fostering and developing strategic partnerships for NIU Athletics.
Van Wagner is the fastest, organically grown collegiate multimedia rights company in the industry, representing more than 40 colleges, universities and conferences. The company has a strong presence across the Mid-American Conference and throughout the region as partners include Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Western Michigan, UIC and Valparaiso.
About Van Wagner:
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, sponsorship sales, multi-media rights, and aerial advertising. Van Wagner, creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.
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