Project Information

Bid Title

RFP20260207-1 - The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics; Athletics Multimedia Rights

Issuing Agency

University of Arkansas

Location

Arkansas

Published Date

Feb 13, 2026

Closing Date

Mar 2, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFP20260207-1

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

closing date	information	award scoring & tabulation	award status
03/02/26	RFP20260207-1 - The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics; Athletics Multimedia Rights Issuing Campus - University of Arkansas Fayetteville (UAF) RFP Document	Pending	Pending

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The University of Arkansas

Department of Athletics

Athletics Multimedia Rights

Request for Proposal

RFP No. 20260207-1

The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas, acting on behalf of the University of Arkansas

(“University”) which includes its main campus located in Fayetteville, Arkansas (“Campus”) and

the University’s Department of Athletics (“Razorback Athletics”, the “Department” or

“Athletics”), is seeking competitive proposals pursuant to the specifications, terms and

conditions stated in this document (“Proposal(s)”) from qualified and reputable companies

(“Respondent(s)”) to enter into an agreement to provide innovative services related to

multimedia rights under the terms and conditions stated herein that the University determines to

be in the best interest of the University (“Contract”).

PRE-PROPSAL MEETING: February 26, 2026

PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

March 2, 2026

Submit Proposal To:

Whitney O’Dell

whitneyo@uark.edu

Director of Procurement & Business Operations

Department of Athletics

Table of Contents

I. OVERVIEW OF RFP ................................................................................................................................. 3

II. OVERVIEW OF UNIVERSITY AND RAZORBACK ATHLETICS ..................................................... 5

III. RFP TIMELINE .......................................................................................................................................... 7

IV. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS AND RFP CRITERIA......................................................................... 8

V. RFP SELECTION PROCESS...................................................................................................................24

VI. RFP EVALUATION CRITERIA AND

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25

VII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ATTACHMENT A- RESPONDENT FINANCIAL PROPOSAL ...........................................................................................29

ATTACHMENT B – RESPONDENT EXCEPTIONS SHEET ...............................................................................................30

ATTACHMENT C - RESPONDENT OVERVIEW / FINANCIAL CAPACITY ......................................................................31

ATTACHMENT D - RESPONDENT INFORMATION / REFERENCES ..............................................................................32

ATTACHMENT E - RESPONDENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST / ANTI-INDUCEMENT CERTIFICATION .........................33

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I. Overview of RFP

A. The University is seeking to award one or more term Contracts to the successful

Respondent that can provide the best overall value to Razorback Athletics whereby the selected

Respondent would be granted the following:

• Exclusive Multimedia Rights Partner (Corporate Sales, Marketing, Digital

Sales and Radio Broadcast, Student-Athlete NIL Marketing Fund) for

Razorback Athletics Except as Excluded in this RFP

The selected Respondent will be evaluated by a review committee (“Committee”) based on a

comprehensive assessment of the entire Proposal and the overall value it provides to Razorback

Athletics and related interests. The Committee will make a recommendation to the University

Athletic Director, Chancellor, and University System President. In accordance with Board of

Trustees Policy, only the University System President has the authority to execute a final Contract

on behalf of the University.

B. RFP Goals. The goal of this RFP process is to identify a strategic multimedia rights partner

(or partners) that can create new value for Razorback Athletics by generating additional revenue

streams, expanding corporate partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, maximizing exposure

for the University brand, and providing a transformative model that supports the modern era of

college athletics. The selected Respondent will also support the development of name, image, and

likeness (“NIL”) opportunities for student-athletes on a non-exclusive basis, enhance fan

engagement across all platforms, and leverage innovative marketing and media strategies to grow

the overall value of Razorback Athletics.

C. Partnership and Collaboration. Razorback Athletics seeks Respondent committed to a

true collaboration, working closely and collaboratively with University staff to achieve shared

goals in multimedia, sponsorship, and licensing initiatives. Respondent personnel may be housed

on-site and are expected to work cooperatively with athletic staff, demonstrating flexibility,

professionalism, and a strong sense of loyalty to the Department. All personnel must maintain

strict confidentiality regarding proprietary information, internal strategies, sponsorship

agreements, and sensitive Department information, including student-athlete education records,

health and medical records, and other non-public or confidential data. The University values a

team-oriented approach, where both Parties operate with mutual trust, alignment, and a shared

commitment to the long-term success of Razorback Athletics. Respondent affiliates and

subsidiaries are also expected to work in strategic alignment with the goals of the department and

working to provide services similar to better than those of peer institutions.

D. Athletics RFP Process. Razorback Athletics operates as a self-sustaining entity of the

University and does not utilize “public funds”, as that term is defined under Arkansas

procurement laws. As such, this RFP process is not subject to the formal rules, timelines, or

procedures set forth in the Arkansas procurement code. Nevertheless, the University will conduct

the process in accordance with commonly accepted principles of good faith, transparency, and

fairness, ensuring all Respondents are afforded a fair and equitable opportunity to present

competitive offers.

E. Term. The initial term of the Contract will be ten (10) years (“Term”). The Contract Term

will commence on July 1, 2028, or earlier if applicable, and continue through the end date of June

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30, 2038, unless earlier terminated or amended pursuant to the terms of this RFP.

F. Award Determination. The University reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to award

a Contract to a single Respondent whose Proposal is determined to be most advantageous to the

University. The University also reserves the right to reject any and all Proposals and to make no

award.

G. Best Response Required. Each Respondent must present its best comprehensive

Proposal covering the areas outlined in this RFP. Proposals must demonstrate an understanding

of the scope of work and the ability to accomplish the tasks set forth and must include information

that will enable the University to determine the Respondent’s overall qualifications.

H. Best and Final Offer. The University may, at its sole discretion, request a Best and Final

Offer (“BAFO”) from one or more Respondents, but is not required to do so. A BAFO generally

consists of an updated Proposal and responses to specific questions identified during the

evaluation process. If requested, BAFOs will be re-evaluated by the Committee based on the

information provided, in accordance with the scope, format, and content defined by the Razorback

Athletics Director of Procurement and Business Operations, which may include revisions to

pricing, financial terms, and other Proposal elements.

I. All Elements Valued/Negotiation Right Reserved. The University values all aspects of

this RFP. Accordingly, following the evaluation of Proposals and the selection of a preferred

Respondent, the University reserves the right to negotiate further with the selected Respondent

on any or all elements of its Proposal. The University may award a Contract at any time within

ninety (90) days after the submission deadline.

J. Minimum Expectations. All Respondents must review the RFP requirements carefully

and develop a response that at a minimum meets the expectations outlined hereinafter.

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II. Overview of the University and Razorback Athletics

A. About the University. Founded in 1871, the University is Arkansas’ flagship public

university and a nationally recognized land-grant institution. Our mission is to provide

transformational education, advance research and discovery, and engage with communities to

address real-world challenges. In 2025, we served over 34,000 students across undergraduate,

graduate, and professional programs, preparing them to excel academically, professionally, and

personally while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

B. About Razorback Athletics. Razorback Athletics develops champions and Razorbacks for

life. Our mission is to empower student-athletes to reach their full potential academically,

athletically, and personally, preparing them for graduation, career success, and positive

community impact—all while upholding integrity and a commitment to excellence.

The Department supports more than 400 student-athletes across 19 varsity programs, competing

in the Southeastern Conference (“SEC”). Arkansas consistently fields nationally competitive

teams, earning conference championships, National Collegiate Athletic Association (“NCAA”)

tournament appearances, and producing All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and

professional-level athletes.

Razorback Athletics seeks partners and vendors who share our commitment to excellence,

innovation, and a student-centered approach, and who can support the Department in

multimedia, sponsorship, licensing, and other strategic initiatives.

1. Varsity Sports. The University of Arkansas sponsors 19 nationally competitive

varsity sports programs, providing student-athletes with opportunities to excel

academically and athletically while representing the Razorbacks at the highest levels of

intercollegiate competition.

• Women’s Programs (11): Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics,

Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Soccer, Softball,

Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Volleyball

• Men’s Programs (8): Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf,

Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Tennis

2. Championships and Awards. The Razorbacks boast a rich tradition of athletic

excellence, with a legacy marked by numerous national and SEC championships across

multiple sports. Arkansas has earned more than 50 NCAA team national championships,

including dominance in men’s and women’s cross country and track & field, a men’s

basketball national title (1994), and a recognized national championship in football

(1964). In baseball, Arkansas captured the SEC regular season in 2023 and the regular

season and tournament championships in 2021, adding to its conference legacy. In

softball, the Razorbacks earned their first SEC title during the 2020‑21 season, and

followed with a 2022 SEC regular‑season and tournament championship sweep. In soccer,

the Razorbacks secured 5 SEC championships since 2019, including the most recent in

2025 as part of a standout stretch for the program.

Arkansas teams consistently compete at the highest levels within the SEC—one of the

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