DeVry Education Group, "aiming to replicate the success it has seen" on a marketing partnership with the USOC, on Monday announced a three-year deal with MiLB that makes it the organization's "official education and career development partner," according to Danny Ecker of CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS. As part of the deal, there will be "signage and promotion at all 160 minor league franchises ranging from rookie leagues to AAA." In addition, the sponsorship "will include 20 full-ride scholarships available to minor league players, staff, alumni and other team and league employees, as well as reduced tuition for interested players and their spouses." DeVry "previously had sponsored individual teams" like the Jaguars, 76ers and two MLS teams, but it "ditched the strategy a few years ago to redirect marketing dollars toward more national partnerships." MiLB officials "approached DeVry about the partnership this year after seeing its success with Team USA Olympic athletes." MiLB Enterprises President & CMO Michael Hand said that DeVry's education platforms "met a need for many players." He noted that it "typically takes a player six or seven years to reach the major leagues -- if they make it at all." Many now could have the option "to take classes online or at a local DeVry campus." Ecker noted DeVry is "one of a handful of new partners" for MiLB, "marking a shift in Hand's strategy toward leveraging its national reach through sponsorship deals that include all of its teams" (CHICAGOBUSINESS.com, 12/8).
