Editor's note: This story is updated from the print edition.
The University of North Carolina-Charlotte, a new Conference USA school that will start a football program in 2013, has agreed to outsource its multimedia rights to IMG College for $8.15 million guaranteed over 10 years.
The 49ers issued a request for proposal earlier this year seeking a full-fledged multimedia partner. The school had worked with a local Charlotte group, Signature Sports Group, for radio and sponsorship in the past.
IMG College emerged as the 49ers’ choice, winning a broad range of rights, including radio, sponsorship, promotional and hospitality rights, signage and other advertising. The 10-year agreement goes into effect for the 2012-13 school year, putting IMG College in fast forward to select a general manager and hire a staff.
The deal includes the potential for additional revenue for Charlotte if IMG College hits certain sales thresholds. IMG College also has committed to invest in a new video board for the 49ers football stadium that is under construction.
With football on the horizon, Athletic Director Judy Rose said it’s critical to have a partner that can maximize the 49ers’ revenue potential “to enhance the long-term prospects for each of our teams.”
Charlotte will give IMG College a full-time sales staff in a key market and an important regional presence, said IMG College President Ben Sutton. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based IMG College also owns the rights to Appalachian State, Duke, East Carolina, South Carolina, Clemson, Furman, Wofford and Wake Forest.
