CIAA Extends Partnership With Van Wagner

CIAA extended its multimedia rights agreement with Van Wagner.

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) and Van Wagner, a leading collegiate athletics marketing agency, have agreed to a new long-term term agreement, cementing the commitment of both organizations to continue their successful collaboration.

The CIAA-Van Wagner partnership was initiated in 2016, joining forces to assist the conference in maximizing the commercial value of the CIAA’s athletic programs and championships. Van Wagner was appointed as the exclusive media rights and license partner to commercialize specific multimedia rights related to the Conference's athletic programs, assets, properties, and events.

In an ever-evolving landscape of college sports, Van Wagner has played a pivotal role in ensuring the CIAA’s viability and visibility during times of uncertainty. Their expertise has not only sustained the conference but also positioned it for long-term financial stability.

Jacqie McWilliams Parker, CIAA Commissioner, expressed her enthusiasm for the continued partnership, saying, “The partnership with Van Wagner has far exceeded my highest expectations and I look forward to the continued collaboration as we expand and lead in this space. We have been able to transform relationships into true partnerships at both the local and national level which have been instrumental in our growth and success. They have expanded the visibility and interest in CIAA across a diverse market and are without a doubt a key member of the CIAA team.”

Here are some of the CIAA-Van Wagner Team’s recent achievements:

• National Recognition: The team was honored by the national organization for exceeding revenue generation in 2022-23 through sponsorship sales, achieving an all-time revenue record.
• HBCUGO/AMG Deal: In 2023, the CIAA-Van Wagner Team successfully negotiated a groundbreaking 10-year deal with HBCUGO/AMG, further solidifying the conference's position in the collegiate sports landscape.

• Food Lion Title Sponsorship: The team secured Food Lion as the first title sponsor for the CIAA Basketball Tournament, marking the most significant naming deal in conference history.
• Multi-Year Partnerships: The team executed multiple-year agreements with prominent brands including Under Armour, Coca-Cola, Food Lion, The Home Depot, Nationwide, Wells Fargo, and Wendy's, enhancing the financial stability and overall strength of the CIAA.

"At Van Wagner, we are truly honored to extend our partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association. This partnership represents more than just a business agreement; it embodies our shared commitment to the vitality of collegiate athletics and championing the enduring spirit of HBCU institutions,” said Mike Palisi, President of Van Wagner College. “We look forward to the continued partnership and delivering unparalleled value for the conference and new opportunities to connect sponsors, fans, student-athletes, and the broader community."

Van Wagner currently represents colleges, universities, conferences, and associations across the United States and has the fastest-growing team in the industry dedicated to collegiate athletics marketing. This contract extension reinforces the commitment of both the CIAA and Van Wagner to continue their successful partnership and drive further growth and success in collegiate athletics.