Navigating the New Era of College Athletics—Why Strategic Communications Are Essential

The Game Has Changed—Are You Ready?

College athletics is undergoing a seismic shift. With the rise of revenue sharing and the continued evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, athletic departments are no longer just managing teams—they’re running multi-million-dollar enterprises. Today’s athletic director is now the CEO of a complex business, responsible for building sustainable financial models and creating powerful opportunities for athletes and universities alike.

But with transformation comes challenge. Compliance, financial pressures, and building competitive programs underscore the need for innovative growth strategies. The question isn’t just how to keep up—it’s how to lead.

Seizing Opportunity Through Strategic Communications

At Sloane, we believe the new landscape is full of potential. Our approach goes beyond helping you “navigate” change—we help you seize it. Here’s how:

Drive Revenue Growth: We help you develop, define, and deliver compelling stories that build powerful brands, opening new avenues for partnerships, donor engagement, and fan loyalty.

Empower Athletes: We provide support to foster a culture of athlete empowerment, providing guidance and resources for success in the NIL marketplace and opportunities to differentiate yourself to attract, and retain, top-tier talent.

Secure Your Future: We help you turn compliance and financial pressures into competitive advantages, positioning your department as an innovator and industry leader.

Our Strategic Approach

Our process is grounded in data and digital intelligence, ensuring every message is precise and every communication supports your revenue goals and deepens engagement with your core audiences. We will help you leverage this new landscape into foundational platforms through three core pillars:

Data-Driven Strategies: Research-driven insights and AI-powered techniques help you find your competitive edge and develop a sustainable position.

Audience-Centric Messaging: Targeted communications speak directly to fans, boosters, sponsors, partners, and athletes—reinforcing community, ROI, and personal brand development.

Executive-Level Execution: Comprehensive frameworks deliver immediate impact and consistent messaging across all channels—from traditional media to digital platforms.

Ready to Lead the Future of College Athletics?

The landscape is evolving. With the right partner, your athletic department can turn disruption into growth, compliance into advantage, and athletes into empowered ambassadors for your college or university.

Let’s build a strategy that positions your program for lasting success.

Contact Jon Hammond at jhammond@sloanepr.com to learn how Sloane can help your program thrive.