PENSACOLA, Fla. — September 22, 2026 — The University of West Florida (UWF) Athletics and Van Wagner today announced a long-term multimedia rights partnership that will position Van Wagner as the exclusive multimedia rights and corporate sponsorship partner of UWF Athletics.

The partnership comes at a transformational time for the University as UWF begins its first season of NCAA Division I competition in Fall 2026. As part of the transition, the Argonauts will compete as a full multi-sport member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, with football competing in the United Athletic Conference.

"UWF's transition to Division I marks an exciting new chapter for the University and the Pensacola community," said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. "This partnership with Van Wagner will create new opportunities to connect with corporate partners while expanding the visibility and reach of UWF Athletics. We look forward to working together to build meaningful partnerships that support the continued growth of Argo Athletics."

"Van Wagner brings great expertise, and as we enter Division I competition, this partnership will help us build new relationships with corporate partners and create additional opportunities to support the future of Argonaut Athletics," said UWF Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Scott. "We're excited to have Van Wagner alongside us as we take this next step."

Van Wagner will manage UWF Athletics' corporate sponsorship and multimedia rights program, including opportunities across venue signage, digital and social media, promotions, hospitality, experiential activations and other emerging platforms. The partnership will also leverage Van Wagner's national sales resources, industry relationships and expertise in developing innovative, high-value sponsorship opportunities.

"What's happening at the University of West Florida is one of the most compelling stories in college athletics right now", said Mike Palisi, President, Van Wagner College. "Under the dynamic leadership of President Manny Diaz Jr. and Director of Athletics David Scott, UWF has built something special in Pensacola, a championship culture, a growing footprint, and now a Division I future. Growth at this pace requires dynamic leadership and alignment at every level, and UWF has both. We believe this is a story the industry will continue to talk about, and Van Wagner is proud to be UWF's partner as they take this next step."

UWF enters Division I competition following a highly successful history at the NCAA Division II level, where the Argonauts established themselves as one of the nation's premier athletic programs. The move to Division I creates increased exposure for UWF Athletics and new opportunities to connect corporate partners with the University's growing fan base, alumni and the greater Pensacola community.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA ATHLETICS
University of West Florida Athletics sponsors 15 NCAA Division I sports and competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference as a full multi-sport member and the United Athletic Conference as a football-playing member. Before transitioning to Division I in Fall 2026, the Argonauts captured 11 national championships and 141 conference championships, establishing a tradition of competitive excellence. Through its commitment to Building Champions for Life, UWF Athletics supports student-athletes in achieving success in competition, the classroom and beyond. Located in Pensacola, Florida, UWF is a student-centered institution serving nearly 16,000 students and consistently recognized as a top 10 public institution in the region. For more information about UWF Athletics, visit goargos.com.

ABOUT VAN WAGNER
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.