WASHINGTON - Van Wagner, a leading sports marketing and media company, and American University Athletics today announced a new long-term partnership in which Van Wagner will represent the multimedia rights of American University Athletics.
Under the agreement, Van Wagner will oversee the development, sales, and activation of corporate partnerships and multimedia assets across American University Athletics, with a focus on driving sustainable revenue growth, enhancing the fan experience, and delivering meaningful value to corporate partners aligned with the university's mission and brand.
"Partnering with Van Wagner, a leading multimedia rights company, represents an important step forward for our athletics department," said JM Caparro, Director of Athletics and Recreation of American University. "Their expertise in revenue generation, content distribution, and rights management strengthens our ability to elevate our brand, create new revenue opportunities, and deliver greater value to our student-athletes and fans as we continue to grow. We are thrilled that Van Wagner recognizes the momentum we are building at American and has chosen to be part of our continued progress."
The partnership will leverage Van Wagner's expertise in collegiate athletics multimedia rights, sponsorship strategy, and integrated marketing solutions while maintaining flexibility within an evolving media and corporate partnership landscape.
"American University represents everything we value in a partner; strong leadership, a clear institutional vision, and a commitment to excellence both academically and athletically," said Mike Palisi, President of Van Wagner College. "We are excited to collaborate with American University Athletics to build innovative sponsorship platforms and long-term value for their programs, and we look forward to working closely alongside Director of Athletics and Recreation JM Caparro and his team to ensure a successful partnership."
Van Wagner brings experience within collegiate athletics, including representing the multimedia rights of fellow Patriot League institution, Loyola University Maryland Athletics, providing a strong foundation for strategic partnership development and asset management.
This long-term agreement reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, innovation, and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes for American University, its student-athletes, fans, and corporate partners.
About American Athletics
The American University Department of Athletics and Recreation is a 16-sport, NCAA Division I program that grants athletic scholarships. AU is one of 10 member schools in the Patriot League, while its wrestlers compete in the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA), the oldest athletic conference in the United States. AU has won 50 team championship titles in the Patriot League, including a staggering 17 by the Eagles' volleyball program and 13 by the field hockey program. In 2024-25, the men's basketball team won its fourth Patriot League title and made its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance.
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 NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.
