OSU Names J. America, Fanatics Licensed Apparel And Retail Partners

Ohio State Univ. today named J. America and Fanatics Inc. the university's licensed apparel and retail partners in a 10-year deal. OSU is guaranteed $97M over the length of the agreement, including an upfront payment of $23M. Apparel accounts for nearly two thirds of its $9M trademark and licensing business, and the deal will generate an additional $4.5M annually in royalties. The new licensing model will be phased in over the next year (OSU).

Ohio State had been "seeking a new licensing model since 2010, when the school was first approached with an idea to increase revenue by streamlining operations – a proposal made by an executive with Dallas Cowboys Merchandising" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 11/15).