UCLA Athletics Signs 11-Year Multimedia Rights Partnership with JMI Sports

New partnership aims to strategically elevate the Bruins’ brand

San Diego and Los Angeles, CA (Sept. 5, 2024) – Today, UCLA Athletics and JMI Sports are pleased to announce the establishment of an 11-year multimedia rights partnership, beginning in the 2024-25 season. This long-term agreement with the leading media rights and venue development company comes at a pivotal moment as UCLA transitions to the Big Ten Conference, marking a new era of growth and opportunity for the Bruins.

“As we begin a new era at UCLA as a member of the Big Ten Conference, we’re excited to also join forces with JMI Sports to help us capitalize on a larger platform, from a multimedia rights perspective,” said Martin Jarmond, The Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics. “Throughout the course of our conversations with Erik Judson and JMI Sports leadership, what continually stood out was their deep understanding not only of the ever-changing world of college athletics, but also of the history and value of the UCLA Athletics brand. With their home base being in Southern California, they have strong knowledge of both the local and national landscapes. It was apparent from the start that JMI Sports wanted to partner with UCLA, and we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with them for many years to come.”

Through this partnership, JMI Sports will leverage its extensive expertise in securing high-value sponsorships, developing innovative marketing strategies, and building purpose-driven partnerships to elevate UCLA’s national profile. The collaboration will also focus on creating unique fan engagement opportunities, both on campus and in the broader Los Angeles market, which is set to remain a hub of global sports and entertainment in the coming years.

“We are thrilled to partner with UCLA Athletics to develop a first-class multimedia rights enterprise that will advance the business objectives of the Bruins,” said Erik Judson, CEO of JMI Sports. “With an incredible history of success, including legendary student-athletes, coaches, and teams, UCLA has established itself as one of the most important brands in college athletics. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance the fan experience, elevate the Bruins’ brand, and create lasting value for all stakeholders to build on their storied legacy.”

This partnership marks a significant milestone for JMI Sports, as UCLA becomes the company’s first partner school in Los Angeles and the Big Ten Conference. As UCLA Athletics becomes a part of the collaborative network within JMI Sports’ portfolio, including University of Utah, University of Kentucky, Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, University of Georgia, and San Diego State University, this partnership sets the stage for a decade of innovation, growth and unparalleled success in collegiate sports marketing. Leading the collaboration between JMI Sports and UCLA Athletics is Peter Thuresson, Senior Vice President at JMIS Properties.

“Returning to Los Angeles to lead the JMI Sports partnership with UCLA Athletics is an incredible opportunity,” said Thuresson. “As UCLA moves to the Big Ten, we’re well-positioned to expand the Bruins’ presence on a national scale and build purpose-driven partnerships that will strengthen and enrich the Los Angeles community.”

For more information on UCLA Athletics, please visit uclabruins.com.

For more information on JMI Sports, a leading media rights and venue development company dedicated to transformative partnerships, please visit jmisports.com.

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ABOUT UCLA ATHLETICS

UCLA Athletics sponsors 25 men’s and women’s sports competing in NCAA Division I. UCLA ranks second among all universities with 123 total NCAA team championships, most recently won by the women’s water polo and men’s volleyball teams in May of 2024. UCLA’s impressive collection of NCAA titles has spanned 21 different sports. During the 2006-07 school year, UCLA’s department became the first in the nation to have won at least 100 NCAA team championships. In addition, UCLA has produced over 400 Olympians who have combined to win 284 Olympic medals and has sent hundreds of student-athletes into professional sports leagues.

The UCLA athletic department seeks to develop champions through academic excellence, competitive greatness and social responsibility. The university’s view toward athletics has helped produce student-athletes who are invested in academics and involved in their communities.

ABOUT JMI SPORTS

JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.

JMI Sports’ signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, the University of Utah, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, DePaul University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia (with Learfield), and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League and the Atlantic 10, and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues and events, including the Breeders’ Cup, Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, and the Penn Relays.

JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres.

To learn more, please visit www.jmisports.com.