Georgia, ISP reach deal

NOTE: I was on the road nearly all day today but I'll have a bunch more on this tomorrow.

From UGA athletics department:

ATHENS, Ga. --- The University of Georgia Athletic Association has in principle reached a comprehensive eight-year agreement valued at $92.8 million with ISP Sports to serve as the exclusive multi-media rights marketer beginning July 1, 2009, according to an announcement Wednesday by UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans.

"We are extremely pleased to partner with ISP Sports to deliver Georgia Bulldog programming to the Bulldog Nation and beyond," said Evans. "This agreement will provide the infrastructure to deliver our content and message through various mediums that will continue to make the University of Georgia a leader in intercollegiate athletics."

Currently, ISP manages Georgia's sponsorship and marketing rights which includes corporate sponsorships, presence marketing, print publications and corporate hospitality. Under a separate agreement, Cox Radio WSB 750 has managed the Athletic Association's radio and coach's television show rights. Under terms of the new agreement, ISP will assume the responsibility of radio and coaches show television rights as well as add additional television and digital media rights to complete its Georgia portfolio. However, ISP and WSB have reached an agreement for WSB to remain the flagship station of the Bulldogs for the term of the Georgia/ISP partnership.

"I'm especially pleased that WSB News/Talk 750 will continue to be our flagship station," said Evans. "We have a long history and tradition with WSB which is one of the country's premier radio stations. That relationship will continue providing the very best coverage for Georgia sports teams."

"We are elated to extend our relationship with an outstanding university and one of America's truly elite athletic programs," said Ben Sutton, ISP Chairman of the Board and CEO. "We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with Damon and his remarkable team of administrators and coaches and look forward to an even greater partnership in the years to come. We appreciate the university's confidence in ISP and are committed to providing the Bulldog Nation with the finest in programming, corporate marketing, sales and service.

"The addition of the Georgia Bulldog Radio Network to our partnership with UGA Athletics is an extremely positive one. Our talented radio production team is looking forward to the opportunity to build on the long and rich tradition established by WSB and Cox radio in bringing the millions of Dawg fans the very best in sports broadcasting!"

About ISP Sports:

ISP: America's Home For College Sports-- is the country's largest and fastest growing collegiate multimedia rights holder, with partnerships involving more than 60 NCAA member institutions, conferences, bowl games and venues. The ISP family of leading universities and conferences reaches into 34 states across the country. The company, which is based in Winston-Salem, NC, produces a variety of sponsorship opportunities and services for its partner schools and corporate clients, including publications, radio/TV networks, internet sites, game event promotions and stadium/arena signage. With more than 50 regional offices throughout the country and over 300 employees, ISP is nationally recognized for its quality performance, professional workmanship and unrivaled service.

About the University of Georgia Athletic Association:

The University of Georgia Athletic Association sponsors a 21-sport athletic program featuring 12 women's and nine men's sports. Georgia sports teams have won a total of 37 national team championships, 35 of which have come since 1985.