IMG College announced on July 29 that it has reached a representation agreement with Eastern Michigan University.
EMU and IMG College entered into a five-year agreement. IMG College will manage and market all advertising and sponsorship inventory for the university. The sales operation will be directed on-site by General Manager Heidi Wegmueller, who joins IMG from Badger Sports Properties (University of Wisconsin).
“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with IMG in managing our multi- media rights and corporate sponsorships,” said Heather Lyke, vice president and director of athletics, Eastern Michigan University. “The quality of IMG’s reputation is strong, but what impressed us most is the quality of people within the organization and their level of expertise and professionalism. We value this long- term partnership and know there will be positive benefits for both IMG and Eastern Michigan Athletics.”
IMG College, a division of IMG, is the nation’s leading collegiate marketing agency, representing more than 200 of the nation’s top collegiate properties, including the NCAA and its 89 championships, major conferences and many of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country.
“Available media rights at Division I schools are few and far between, so we’re very gratified with EMU’s decision to entrust their program to IMG,” said Ben Sutton, Jr., President of IMG College. “The University joins more than 60 collegiate institutions which have signed or renewed partnership agreements with IMG College this year.”
“IMG is extremely eager to begin serving EMU and Heather Lyke, who brings tremendous positive energy, leadership and vision to a dynamic athletics program,” said Mike Wolfert, vice president revenue solutions for IMG College. “EMU has a rich history of athletics success, and we’re thrilled to be called on to help increase support to the program within the Ypsilanti and greater Michigan community.”
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league’s most successful members. The Division I program boasts 120 MAC team championships over the past 42 years. EMU’s varsity intercollegiate program features 21 different sports, nine men’s teams and 12 women’s teams; the program employs more than 70 full-time staff and supports more than 500 student-athletes. Eastern Michigan has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960.
About IMG
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion and media operating in more than 30 countries around the world. IMG’s businesses include Events & Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Performance and IMG Academy, Fashion, Models, Clients, Consulting, Licensing, Joint Ventures, and creative management agency Art Commerce. In 2014, IMG was acquired by WME, the world’s leading entertainment and media agency. Together, the companies offer an unparalleled client roster; world-class partnerships with sponsors, brands and broadcasters; and marquee assets across entertainment, events and fashion.