The University of Nebraska athletic department is set to bring the Husker Sports Radio network and its multimedia rights operation in house when its current deal with Learfield/IMG expires this summer.
As reported by the Lincoln Journal Star, Nebraska has contracted with Learfield/IMG since 2006 and will retain the company for some services, but will move its entire multimedia rights operation within the athletic department. NU's contract with Learfield/IMG had been worth $72 million over the past six years and was subject to periodic renegotiation.
According to the Journal Star, Nebraska is believed to be the first Power Five school to make a complete in-house transition. The move will require Nebraska to add staff to handle the in-house workload associated with advertising and licensing, the paper reported.
“Learfield/IMG College and Nebraska Athletics have enjoyed a great partnership for many years and will continue to be affiliated in the licensing, ticketing and digital space,” senior deputy athletic director Garrett Klassy said in a statement provided to the Journal Star. "We plan to release more details surrounding our multimedia rights as we get closer to the expiration of our current contract."
