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Will this affect Husky and Cougar broadcasts?


Learfield works with both UW and WSU on their radio broadcasts and hundreds more universities. Now its being taken over by a private equity firm.  The deal is for around $2B

"Exciting news at Learfield today! We have agreed to be acquired by TPG, one of the most experienced private equity investors in media, entertainment, and sports. Partnering with TPG will accelerate growth and innovation and will help Learfield and our partners to build an extraordinary future together." 

NIL action up ahead:

bit.ly/3Og9Ik6

Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 14, 2026 at 1:43 PM

    Wazzu is with a different company. Based in Philadelphia

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 14, 2026 at 2:46 PM

    The deal is ownership only: TPG (a major private equity firm) is acquiring a controlling/majority stake in Learfield for roughly $1.8–2 billion. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2026 (around July–September), just before the college football season. Learfield’s current leadership, including CEO Cole Gahagan, is expected to stay in place, and there are no announced plans for immediate operational overhauls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wayne LApril 14, 2026 at 4:40 PM

      Thanks for sorting that out. I am also told that WSU left Learfield for Playfly out of Philly. Appreciate you weighing in.

      Delete
  3. Rhett WorkmanApril 15, 2026 at 6:57 AM

    The colleges have editorial control over the broadcasts so I do not expect it to affect them at all. Essentially, Learfield is the production piece for the broadcasts and if they don't provide a good service (or in WSU's case they find someone who perhaps is doing it cheaper and that is probably why they went elsewhere) then the schools will look elsewhere to get that

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wayne LApril 15, 2026 at 10:16 AM

    I didn't know much about Learfield, so thanks for your comments. I had only heard the name mentioned at the end of some broadcasts, so I'm glad I posted and got good insights. I always believe new owners drive change that can mean cuts in some way. Must always stay tuned for that.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wayne LApril 15, 2026 at 3:28 PM

    From Front Office Sports: "Public Equity firms are finding a backdoor into college sports, investing in companies like Learfield rather than schools themselves." Eyes wide open, folks.

    ReplyDelete

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