ST LOUIS- The Saint Louis University athletic department is entering into a new partnership with Learfield Sports to increase the visibility of Billiken basketball, among other things.
"Clearly, this is an important step for our program, and we could not be happier to be aligned with Learfield Sports," SLU Director of Athletics Chris May said. "Learfield is a true leader in the industry and is highly regarded throughout the collegiate sports community with a strong local, regional and national presence. We look forward to teaming with Learfield to grow the Billiken athletic brand both in the corporate world and in merchandising. "
It is the first time in school history that SLU is outsourcing its comprehensive athletics rights. The agreement includes the establishment of Billiken Sports Properties, which is led by General Manager John Sartorius.
Billiken Sports Properties will manage the comprehensive SLU athletics rights relationships including signage, sponsorships, corporate hospitality, event marketing, radio play-by-play and coaches' shows.
Learfield's rights also include third-tier television rights for SLU men's basketball games at Chaifetz Arena.
Here's what that means: If an upcoming SLU basketball game is not being broadcast on ESPN or FOX Sports Midwest, Learfield Sports could negotiate with another TV outlet to broadcast the game.
Learfield Sports has similar partnerships with Mizzou and several other Atlantic 10 schools (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Duquesne).
In other words, this is very good news for fans of Billiken sports.
John Sartorius, who will lead the newly created Billiken Sports Properties, is no stranger to the St. Louis business community.
Sartorius has more than 20 years of sales and corporate partner experience. He served as associate general manager for Learfield at the University of Missouri and held executive roles at the Saint Louis Zoo, Anheuser-Busch Beer and Theme Park Divisions, and Ralston Purina.
Learfield Sports President and CEO Greg Brown is excited to expand the Billiken sports brand in the coming months.
"It is a privilege for us to assist Chris May and his team with enhancing the SLU athletics brand throughout the St. Louis area," Brown said. "What a terrific opportunity for the Billikens to combine their multimedia rights, branding and licensing under one umbrella, and we're honored to be selected for that responsibility."
The new partnership runs through 2020.
