US college sports' Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has announced an expansion of its partnership with sports and business consulting agency Elevate.
The enhanced deal, unveiled earlier this week, will focus on group sales strategy for multiple ACC Championship ticketed events including American football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and gymnastics.
To support the new initiative, Elevate will hire a sales team to be based at the ACC’s headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, led by Roy Tewell, Elevate vice president of sales and service.
Earlier in the partnership, which began in 2022, the deal was focused on advancing business intelligence and analytics, revenue optimization, and fan experience.
Then, in 2023, the agency became the ACC's preferred secondary ticket market reseller.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has said: "Our expanded partnership with Elevate will further our commitment to creating exceptional championship experiences for our schools, alumni, fans, and partners.
“Our collective focus on innovation, business intelligence, and analytics will allow us to pursue enhanced revenue streams and growth opportunities for the league.”
Jonathan Marks, chief business officer of Elevate marketplace and campus initiatives, added: “We are proud to continue our longstanding relationship with the ACC by extending our partnership to support group sales efforts for many of the league’s most exciting, ticketed championship events.
“We are thrilled to add group sales strategy and execution to the suite of revenue-driving and analytics-founded solutions we offer to the ACC, notably during this significant period in college athletics.”
In August, Elevate also partnered with Penn State athletics to collaborate on fan engagement, ticketing, and premium seating and experience strategy.
As part of the deal, Elevate is now working on the strategy, sales, and service for new premium hospitality opportunities at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium, which is currently under renovation for a reported $700 million, until 2027.
In April, meanwhile, Elevate announced the purchase of the brand consultancy arm of Fenway Sports Management, expanding its brand consultancy offering.
