Alabama Athletics Extends Multimedia Rights Relationship With Learfield
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Department of Athletics has extended its multimedia rights relationship with longtime partner Learfield in a move that helps deliver elevated service offerings and customized programs to Crimson Tide fans and student-athletes.
The new 15-year agreement, one of the longest and most integrated in college athletics, builds on the traditional components that have encompassed the relationship since 1998 with several new strategic initiatives including an original content platform in collaboration with Learfield Studios, and access to robust data and analytics enhancements via the company’s Fanbase infrastructure to better connect with Alabama fans.
A highlight of the new agreement is a first-of-its-kind, dedicated NIL hub called The Advantage Center, which will serve as the epicenter of support for name, image and likeness (NIL) endeavors for the more than 600 Crimson Tide student-athletes. Learfield and Alabama Athletics will collaborate on the development of the center to provide a physical home and team of dedicated staff to provide education and resources for student-athletes with respect to NIL opportunities, as well as a location to showcase successful local and national NIL relationships.
“Learfield is the industry leader in cutting-edge fan engagement and brand connectivity. Continuing to partner with Learfield will provide us with the resources and innovative solutions to deliver on our mission of providing the best student-athlete and fan experiences possible,” Director of Athletics Greg Byrne said in a press release. “The new NIL center and plans for exciting new content for our fans are just a few examples of the ways in which Learfield will continue to help us be the leader in college athletics for years to come.”
The Advantage Center builds on the initiative started by Alabama Athletics in May 2021 to educate and provide the tools necessary for Crimson Tide student-athletes to build and elevate their personal brands. The new center will be located in Bryant-Denny Stadium next to The Authentic, UA’s retail store powered by Fanatics, which provides NIL opportunities through branded licensed merchandise.
