USF has signed a 10-year multimedia-rights partnership with Tampa Bay Entertainment Properties (TBEP), a "newly-formed entity controlled by" Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik, according to Joey Knight of the TAMBA BAY TIMES. TBEP is "separate from his entity that operates Amalie Arena and owns the Lightning," though it is "expected to provide the same type of innovative, fan-first experiences" the Lightning are known for. The deal with USF begins July 1, a day after its contract with IMG Sports Marketing expires and guarantees the school "at least" $29M through the 10-year term. USF AD Mark Harlan confirmed that will bring the school a "bit more money than the previous deal." Knight reports after an "annual guarantee is met, USF also will receive" 80% of all net revenue earned by TBEP between $200,000-1M, and 50% of "all net revenue in excess" of $1M. TBEP gets the rights to "all commercial multimedia sports marketing, sponsorship and advertising rights," giving it "creative control over Bulls radio broadcasts and coaches shows, game-day publications and social-media platforms, among other things." TBEP also receives the "exclusive right to secure naming rights for the USF Sun Dome" and gets 35% of USF's annual naming-rights licensing net profit (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 4/18).
