GREENVILLE, N.C. (January 4, 2021) – Announced today, East Carolina University (ECU) has selected Playfly Sports as its new, exclusive multimedia rights holder for the athletic department beginning in the summer of 2022 through the 2034 academic year. The strategic partnership will look to leverage Playfly’s multimedia rights expertise, in addition to the company’s expansive suite of marketing and media solutions, to elevate the ECU brand, fan experience, and student-athlete journey. The agreement was brokered in consultation with the Leona Marketing Group.
“We are excited about today’s announcement of Playfly Sports as our new multimedia rights partner,” ECU Athletics Director Jon Gilbert said. “During our discussions, it was apparent Christy Hedgpeth and her team are positioned to help our athletics department capitalize on and navigate through the quickly evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. This partnership will help ECU grow our revenue opportunities so we can invest more in our student-athletes.”
Together, ECU and Playfly will work to secure new corporate partners, in addition to continuing and elevating activations from existing sponsors, delivering fan excitement that creates a competitive, “home field advantage” atmosphere. Partnerships will be activated across campus and in the community through in-person and digital opportunities such as in-arena and on-field signage, radio and TV broadcast inclusions, and special events crafted specifically for students, fans, and alumni.
“Jon Gilbert’s vision for East Carolina Athletics is clear and compelling,” said Christy Hedgpeth, President at Playfly Sports Properties. “Our mission is to provide ECU Athletics a best-in-class partnership that will help further elevate the program, driving new revenue streams and deepening connections between athletics and the vibrant Greenville community.”
ECU is the second school to join the Playfly Sports roster in as many months and comes on the heels of San Jose State’s addition to Playfly Sports Properties. Playfly now oversees more than 30 collegiate properties and statewide high school athletic associations with integrated capabilities that expand beyond traditional multimedia rights including naming rights and valuation consulting, esports program development, and direct-to-consumer technology offerings.
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About Playfly Sports
Playfly Sports is a full-service sports marketing company operating where sports marketing, media & technology converge. Playfly Sports drives outcome-based solutions for brands reaching approximately 83% of all US sports fans generating over 230bn impressions each year in pro, college, and high school sports. Utilizing the influence and durability of local sports fandom, Playfly Sports exclusive rights in the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, esports, and high school sectors drive value for our local, regional, and national brand partners. Playfly’s insights-infused multimedia and tech platforms drive innovation through scaled linear, digital, in-venue, and experiential marketing and engagement assets. Playfly Sports has the unique ability to partner, innovate, and advance the aspirations of athletes, brands, academic institutions, and sports fans across the U.S. Playfly Sports is Igniting Brands through the Love of Fans. Visit Playfly Sports online at playfly.com and follow Playfly Sports on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook: @PlayflySports. www.playfly.com.
