Denver Athletics to Bring Multimedia Rights In-House Beginning in 2026-27
8/18/2026 3:56:00 PM | Athletics
The University of Denver is transitioning corporate partnership and multi-media rights to an in-house model
DENVER – Following a thorough assessment and strategic review of its multimedia rights (MMR) and corporate sponsorships, the University of Denver Athletics department will bring those operations in-house beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.
"In the new world of college athletics, this strategic decision to move multimedia rights in-house will have a tremendous impact on Athletics and the University as a whole," said Vice Chancellor for Athletics and Ritchie Center Operations Josh Berlo. "Denver Athletics has much to offer our corporate partners, and this model will empower Athletics and the University to collaborate directly with our great partners at unprecedented levels."
Denver's new endeavor in bringing the multimedia rights space in-house will be led by former Vice President of Business Development for the Denver Broncos Darren O'Donnell. The longtime veteran of sport sponsorship joins DU's internal athletic department staff having also spent three seasons in corporate sales with the San Jose Sharks (2009-12) before beginning his nearly 14-year, most-recent stint with the Broncos. Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs Angel Field will continue to provide strategic direction and key engagement in this space.
Berlo added: "I've gotten to know Darren well in the last couple of years since I've been in Denver, and I'm excited for him to lead this transition."
Denver Athletics is coming off the hockey program's NCAA-record 11th national championship, its 13th-straight season as the top I-AAA athletic department in the country and in 2026-27 has begun its new multi-sport conference membership in the West Coast Conference. Bringing corporate sponsorship operations in-house will allow sponsors to have a more direct connection with the various touch points of the athletic department, from leadership to the Pioneer student-athletes.
For those interested in exploring partnership opportunities with Denver Athletics, Darren O'Donnell and Angel Field can be reached at: darren.odonnell@du.edu or angel.field@du.edu
The strategic shift ends Denver's partnership with the multimedia rights division of Playfly Sports. Denver Athletics is working to extend its deal with Playfly to continue its ticket sales partnership.
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