KENT-Kent State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics today announced a new multiyear agreement with Van Wagner, a full-service sports advertising and entertainment agency.

As the exclusive multimedia rights partner and sales agent, Van Wagner will be responsible for corporate sponsorships and media sales for Kent State's athletics program.

"We are thrilled to welcome Van Wagner to our Golden Flashes family," Kent State Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond said. "As a multimedia rights partner, Van Wagner demonstrates a genuine commitment to our department's mission, vision and values. It distinguished itself as the right partner for Kent State Athletics. Its expertise in broadcasting and multimedia rights is top notch, as is the importance it puts on community and corporate engagement. I look forward to a long, prosperous and healthy relationship with Van Wagner to help us deliver a first-rate, Division I experience to our student-athletes, fans, corporate partners and community.Also, we thank LEONA for its work in serving as a consultant throughout the process that helped lead to this landmark deal."

Van Wagner currently represents colleges, universities and conferences across the U.S. and has the fastest, organically grown team in the industry dedicated to collegiate athletics marketing. The agency's extensive experience and strong relationships with corporate partners and media outlets will elevate Kent State Athletics.Van Wagner will institute an on-site team dedicated to enhancing the brand awareness and exposure of Kent State's athletics program in the region. The agency will develop and execute comprehensive sponsorship packages and work closely with the athletic department and sponsors to create fully customizable marketing and media packages that align with the goals and objectives of corporate partners.

"We look forward to partnering with Director of Athletics Randale Richmond and his outstanding senior leadership team to help achieve their vision for Kent State Athletics and their incredible student-athletes," said Mike Palisi, president of Van Wagner College. "Our team is committed to delivering the highest level of service and creating innovative partnerships that drive value for both Kent State and our corporate partners."

Kent State is the third-largest university in Ohio with an enrollment of more than 33,000 students in the eight-campus system and more than 25,000 students at its Kent Campus. The university supports 19 Division I intercollegiate teams competing within the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and is now proud to join Miami University and Western Michigan University as Van Wagner partners within the conference.

About Kent State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Kent State University's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I programs and competes at the NCAA Division I FBS level. Located in Kent, Ohio, Kent State is a member of the Mid-American Conference.

The mission of Kent State Athletics is to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport, and win championships. Kent State student-athletes excel at the conference, regional and national level, both on the field of play, in the classroom and in the community. In 2022, the Kent State Golden Flashes finished fifth in all of NCAA Division I schools in the Helper Helper Community Service Report. Kent State Athletics is committed to fostering an environment of diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging, where its student-athletes can thrive both on campus and off. For more information, visit www.kentstatesports.com.

To stay up to date with the Golden Flashes, follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

About Van Wagner

Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA and international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.

Media Contacts:

Van Wagner: Mike Palisi, mpalisi@vanwagner.com, 212-699-8627

Kent State University: Dan Griffin, dgriff34@kent.edu, 330-672-8468