Villanova U hires Fox Sports to replace IMG

Villanova University's team sports group says it has hired Fox Sports to replace IMG Worldwide as "the exclusive sales and marketing representative" for the 24 Wildcats varsity sports teams. Fox is looking for a general manager and staff to be "embedded in Villanova's athletic department," which would focus on finding more ways to raise more money. Villanova athletes play kids from other schools in the Big East Conference.

Fox Sports College Properties has set up Villanova Sports Properties to handle "radio, corporate hospitality, in-venue signage, social media integration, promotional activities, and intellectual property rights, as well as other mutually agreed upon inventory." Fox already holds TV and multimedia rights for the Big East Conference and its basketball teams are already shown on Fox Sports media.

The deal "goes well beyond a traditional multimedia rights partnership and will help Villanova promote and support, not only our flagship basketball program, but all of our sports and support services," Villanova athletic director Mark Jackson said in a statement.

He said the Main Line school, which is controlled by Catholic priests affiliated with the Augustinian order, hopes to find "new corporate partners that are well-suited to our nationally recognized programs." Fox Sports College Properties boss Kris Kassel proclaimed his company "thrilled" to help Villanova "grow its brand."