Courtesy USA Today

(July 28, 2010) IMG, the worldwide sports, entertainment and media giant that has needed about 2 1/2 years to become a major force in the business of college sports, is about to become an even bigger factor in that world.

The company announced Wednesday it has agreed to acquire ISP Sports, which has been one of IMG's primary competitors for the right to represent major-college athletics programs in corporate sponsorsorship and local radio and TV deals.

Financial terms were not announced.

ISP's client list includes Alabama, Notre Dame (for football), Georgia, Arizona State, Auburn, California, Duke, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, UCLA, Virginia Tech and Washington.

IMG, through previous corporate acquisitions, has deals with Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Kentucky, Oregon, Nebraska and Florida, among others. It now provides licensing services for schools responsible for about 75% of the estimated $4.3 billion in annual retail sales of college sports merchandise. In addition, IMG works with CBS and others in selling corporate sponsorships covered by the rights deal for NCAA championships. It also represents college coaches, pro tennis players and golfers and manages select team-sports athletes' marketing rights.

Wednesday's deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, would leave Learfield Sports, Nelligan Sports Marketing and CBS Collegiate Sports Properties as the only other major competitors for college multi-media marketing rights contracts.

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