Learfield

Learfield

College sports sponsorships, ticketing, licensing, media

Overview

Learfield is a media and technology company focused on college sports and live events. It helps universities and venues connect brands with fans through an end-to-end suite of services, including sponsorship management, ticketing, licensing, and media solutions. The product set leverages media, technology, and data to generate revenue and enhance fan engagement for university partners and venues, while enabling brands to reach 182 million passionate fans. The company differentiates itself by its deep integration into the college sports ecosystem, scale across sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, and media rights, and a commitment to supplier diversity. Its goal is to monetize and activate college sports experiences by linking sponsors, venues, and fans in meaningful ways.

About Learfield

Simplify's Rating
Why Learfield is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Data & Analytics

Enterprise Software

Entertainment

Company Size

501-1,000

Company Stage

Growth Equity (Non-Venture Capital)

Total Funding

$150M

Headquarters

Jefferson City, Missouri

Founded

1972

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Audio advertising expansion via DAX US partnership monetizes 200+ school live streams.
  • Long-term extensions with Bucknell and VCU demonstrate strong retention and revenue stability.
  • NIL services capture emerging athlete monetization opportunities across collegiate athletics landscape.

What critics are saying

  • TPG integration disrupts operations and erodes university partnerships within 6-12 months.
  • NCAA House settlement forces $20M annual revenue sharing, compressing sponsorship margins.
  • Conference realignment consolidates SEC/Big Ten in-house rights, terminating mid-major contracts.

What makes Learfield unique

  • Operates largest college sports platform connecting 12,000+ brands with 1,200+ institutions.
  • Integrated suite spans sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, NIL strategy, and AI-enabled data.
  • Proprietary dataset of 125+ million fan records enables data-driven monetization for schools.

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Funding

Total Funding

$150M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

1 Rounds

Growth Equity Non VC funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Growth Equity Non VC Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Bucknell University Athletics
Apr 9th, 2026
Bucknell Athletics and Learfield extend partnership through 2033-34 season.

Bucknell Athletics and Learfield extend partnership through 2033-34 season. 4/9/2026 8:30:00 AM | General LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell University Athletics and Learfield announced today a long-term extension to their lucrative multimedia rights and revenue generation partnership through the 2033-34 athletics season. The two parties have worked together since 2014, with the new contract set to carry them through 20 years of partnership. Led by the locally based Bucknell Sports Properties team, Bucknell Athletics and Learfield have enjoyed a strengthened relationship and expanded resources through Learfield's data and digital expertise, NIL education and content creation, and overall knowledge and approach with sponsorship optimization and centerpiece asset development. "Learfield has been a trusted partner for us for more than a decade and has consistently helped position Bucknell to adapt and succeed in a rapidly evolving collegiate athletics environment," said Bucknell University Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Tim Pavlechko. "This extension reflects our shared commitment to responsible growth, innovation and long-term support for our student-athletes and programs." Learfield and Bucknell have experienced consistent and healthy revenue growth in recent years, proven by a nearly 20% increase in total sponsorship revenue since the 2022-23 athletics season. Bucknell Sports Properties also remains one of Learfield's top properties at retaining its existing brand partners, renewing more than 90% of its local sponsorship agreements over the last three years. "Bucknell Athletics consistently demonstrates what it means to compete at a high level while prioritizing the academic and personal development of its student-athletes," said Meghan Heinchon, Executive Vice President for Sports Properties at Learfield. "We are proud to be aligned with a program that reflects such strong values. General Manager Mike Trudnak and his team look forward to continuing our partnership to drive innovative revenue generating solutions in support of the Bison athletic programs." Through Learfield's integrated enterprise services, the Bison also continue to drive additional revenue growth and fan engagement by leveraging parallel partnerships with licensed merchandise agency CLC and digital platform provider SIDEARM Sports. About Learfield Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions. Bison Club support is the driving force behind Bucknell Athletics. Your donations directly impact the holistic development of student-athletes from 27 Division I varsity programs who are building a foundation at Bucknell to become leaders and difference-makers around the globe. Make your gift online, or call 570-577-1771 to support your favorite Bison team today. 'ray Bucknell!

CompanyGlance
Feb 17th, 2026
DAX US Scores Audio Ad Sales Partnership with Learfield

DAX US scores audio ad sales partnership with Learfield. February 17, 2026 In this article, you'll discover: * How DAX US is teaming up with Learfield for a major audio ad deal. * Why advertisers can now access live sports coverage from over 200 schools. * The plan to launch before the basketball tournaments and the fall football season. * How brands can reach loyal audiences during the most exciting game moments. If you are a fan of college sports, you know the energy is totally unmatched. The chanting crowds and the buzzer-beaters create a special atmosphere. Now, a new deal is making it easier for brands to be part of that excitement. DAX US has announced a collaboration with Learfield to bring ads to live sports audio. A new way to reach fans. Learfield is a major player in college athletics. They have a massive portfolio that includes over 200 schools. By teaming up with DAX US, they are opening a new door for advertisers. DAX US will now serve as a sales partner for Learfield's digital audio streams. This means brands can place audio ads directly within live games. It creates a perfect chance to reach fans when they are listening closely to every play. Just in time for tournaments. The timing here is perfect. This partnership kicks off right before the college basketball tournaments. It will also extend into the football season this fall. Fans can follow the games in real time. While they listen, advertisers can connect with a highly engaged audience. It is all about being there during the moments that matter most to students and alumni. What the leaders are saying. Both sides seem very happy about this move. Brian Conlan, the President of DAX US, said that becoming Learfield's partner is "so exciting." He noted that they are giving advertisers a brand-new opportunity to get involved with the "anticipation and emotion of live college sports." Tom Boman from Learfield shared that sentiment. He said they are excited to work with DAX US to "expand the reach and monetization" of their streams. He also mentioned that DAX's expertise makes them an "ideal partner" as they continue to grow. Why this matters. For advertisers, this is a big win. They can now align with premium content. It allows them to engage passionate audiences in a listening environment. Whether it is a touchdown or a slam dunk, brands can now be part of the action. * Reach fans during marquee moments. * Place ads in live events. * Connect with loyal audiences. This partnership brings the thrill of the game and the power of digital audio together in a smart way.

Learfield
Aug 27th, 2025
Old Dominion Freight Line Strengthens Partnership with Learfield to Enhance College Sports Sponsorship Program Ahead of Football Season

DALLAS, Texas (Aug. 27, 2025) - Old Dominion Freight Line (OD), a premium less-than-truckload (LTL) freight carrier, has announced the extension of its partnership with Learfield, the leading media and technology company dedicated to enhancing college athletics, as the college football season approaches.

Learfield
Aug 14th, 2025
DIRECTV Launches Multi-Faceted College Sports Program with Army, Duke, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and UNC

DIRECTV launches multi-faceted College Sports program with army, Duke, Ohio State, Oregon, Texas, and UNC.

Virginia Commonwealth University
Jun 10th, 2025
VCU Athletics, Learfield Extend Decade-Long Relationship

RICHMOND, Va. - VCU Athletics has extended its decade-long partnership with Learfield, the media and technology company powering college athletics.

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