Univ. Of Memphis, Central FL Find New Marketing Agencies

The Univ. of Memphis (UM) is "close to finalizing" a deal for MO-based Learfield Communications to handle the athletic department's multimedia marketing rights, which would guarantee the school $5.5M in revenues over the next five years, according to Zack McMillin of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. Learfield, which will open an office in Memphis called Tiger Sports Properties with three full-time employees, will "sell packages that can include TV, radio, print advertising and signage at games and on billboards." UM Associate AD Kevin Grothe said that the company will also use UM's Web site, gotigersgo.com, "as an inducement to sponsors, and plans to produce game programs" for football and basketball. Grothe said the deal will "allow us to focus our efforts on selling tickets and on fund raising." McMillin reported Learfield will also "assume control of all broadcast rights" for UM once the school's current TV and radio deals expire. Grothe: "Part of their charge will be expanding our network" (Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL, 4/25).

SEVEN-YEAR ITCH? In Orlando, Alan Schmadtke reported the Univ. of Central FL (UCF) has "ended a seven-year relationship" with Sports Whirl Marketing, "opening the door" for UCF to "join hands with" Int'l Sports Properties (ISP). UCF will meet with ISP next week, as the firm was "selected ahead of" Nelligan Sports Marketing, Steinberg, Moorad & Dunn and Sports Whirl (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 4/25).