Penn State Files Lawsuit Over New Multimedia Rights Contract

As Penn State seeks to sign its multimedia rights over to a new carrier, the school now finds itself locked in a legal battle with its current carrier, Learfield Communications. 

In a complaint filed Tuesday in a U.S. Middle District Court, the university is seeking a ruling that would enable it to grant the multimedia rights to another bidder. 

Learfield is protesting, claiming any such ruling would contrary to the university's request for proposals and not in the best interest of taxpayers or the commonwealth. 

According to Penn Live, Penn State has not identified the successful bidder, but Learfield says it is Playfly Sports based in Berwyn. 

Learfield is asking the court to grant it access to Playfly's proposal, the criteria used to select that firm, the scoring of the proposals and any other pertinent information about the process.

Penn State has refused to do so, which Learfield contends is a violation of the state's right-to-know law and prevents a meaningful review of the RFO process. 

Learfield contends that the university is prohibited from entering into a contract with Playfly until the case is resolved. 

Penn State wants Judge Matthew W. Brann to find Learfield is not entitled to the requested information pursuant to the state’s public procurement and right-to-know laws or the university’s RFP prerequisites. The school also wants the judge to rule Penn State is not prohibited from contracting with the selected bidder.

Penn State alleges that not being allowed to enter a contract with the new bidder will cause the school future harm. 

The rights contract includes the obligation to fund and produce radio broadcasts for football, basketball, ice hockey and wrestling regular and post-season contests, select baseball and softball games, weekly coaches’ shows and podcasts.