The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC)

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) is the oldest and largest collegiate licensing agency in the United States. As a dominant force in college brand management, CLC accounts for nearly 80% of the $4.6 billion retail market for collegiate licensed products and sports merchandise.

Comprehensive NCAA Brand Representation

Today, CLC provides expert licensing representation to more than 700 colleges and universities across the nation. The company’s extensive portfolio also includes major bowl games, athletic conferences, and the NCAA.

Company History and Global Reach

Founded in 1981 by Bill Battle in Selma, Alabama, CLC later relocated its headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia. To support its massive retail network, the agency operates regional offices in Arizona, Kansas, and Montana.

On May 1, 2007, CLC was acquired by IMG Worldwide (now Learfield IMG College). This acquisition formed a powerful, unmatched organization dedicated to expanding the reach of collegiate sports licensing.

Collegiate Licensing Company Contact Details
Website
clc.com
Phone Number
770.956.0520
Application Portal
Brand Manager 360 Registration
Mailing Address
1075 Peachtree Street Suite 3300 Atlanta, GA 30309

Latest Corporate News & Partner Updates

Collegiate Licensing Company and UNC Partner to Launch Premium Carolina Argyle Collection

The University of North Carolina Athletics Department, in partnership with its exclusive collegiate licensing agency, the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), has officially introduced the highly anticipated Carolina Argyle Collection. This fashion-forward sports merchandise program highlights the timeless argyle pattern synonymous with Tar Heels pride.

The History Behind the Iconic UNC Argyle Pattern

The legendary UNC argyle design was originally created under the direction of Hall of Fame basketball coach Dean Smith and world-renowned fashion designer Alexander Julian. Debuting just before the 1991-1992 college basketball season, the striking visual pattern was quickly embraced by all Tar Heels athletic programs. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of the university's global brand identity.

Premium Licensed Apparel and Hard Goods Vendors

This curated collection showcases high-quality clothing and accessories from an elite lineup of the University of North Carolina’s top licensed retail partners. Fans can browse exclusive pieces from premium brands, including: Nike, '47 Brand, Horn Legend, Logo Brands, Johnnie-O, and Rhoback.

Where to Buy the Carolina Argyle Collection

In-Venue at the Dean E. Smith Center (During Games)
Rally House
Alumni Hall
Chapel Hill Sportswear
Fanatics
Johnny T-Shirt
Shrunken Head
UNC Student Stores Campus Bookstore

Shop the Collection Online Now at ://goheels.com →

CLC Executes Multiyear Renewals with 17 Collegiate Institutions for Brand Licensing Representation

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC), the dedicated licensing division of Learfield, has secured multiyear partnership extensions with 17 premier colleges and universities during the first half of the 2026 fiscal year. These major brand renewals come amidst a strong retail market, with CLC partner institutions collectively achieving a 9% growth in sales of officially licensed collegiate products.

Long-Term Milestone Extensions (10+ Years)

University of Washington
University of Vermont
Lake Superior State University

Power 4 Conference Renewals

Oregon State University
University of Illinois
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Additional National Institutional Extensions

Carroll University
Colgate University
Denison University
Eastern Kentucky University
Kennesaw State University
LaSalle University
Mercyhurst University
Miami University
Rollins College
Rowan University
University of Louisiana at Monroe

Exclusive CLC Partner Benefits

Through these renewals, participating universities retain complete access to CLC's robust operational resources, ensuring program growth regardless of retail platform size:

  • Industry-leading staff expertise and brand protection.
  • Innovative, consumer-facing national marketing campaigns.
  • Customized retail merchandising and data-driven solutions.

Collegiate Licensing Company Selected by University of Texas at Austin for Exclusive Agreement

The Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) has been selected as the official collegiate trademark licensing representative for the University of Texas at Austin. Subject to official approval by the University’s Board of Regents, the comprehensive partnership introduces data-driven brand strategies to maximize retail value and protect iconic Longhorn trademarks.

CLC will equip the Texas licensing division with leading brand management resources, groundbreaking consumer outreach strategies, and best-in-class market sales data to drive retail product innovation.

"Our goal is to reinforce the Texas brand as one of the strongest across all sports, not just college, while at the same time providing our fans and supporters with unique brand experiences. Our licensed merchandise program is an extension of that goal, and this agreement with CLC will give us superior tools and resources to develop new brand opportunities." — Drew Martin, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs

Texas coordinates with approximately 200 approved manufacturers. CLC will take over administrative management of production pipelines to guarantee rigorous quality control across all Longhorn logos. Additionally, the unified strategy focuses on securing new corporate retail pathways globally to meet shifting fan consumer patterns.

"The University of Texas has a unique brand that has reach well beyond its traditional fan base. Drew and his team have a great vision for connecting fans across the globe to the Texas brand, and we are excited to work with the University to add our expertise and resources to their vision." — Cory Moss, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, CLC
"The University of Texas is proud to say, 'what starts here changes the world,' and we strive to carry that quest for innovation through everything we do in Athletics, including our licensed merchandise program. We look forward to working with CLC to help us take our licensing program to new heights." — Chris Del Conte, Vice President and Director of Athletics

Following formal Board execution, the strategic trademark management agreement is effective immediately and extends through the year 2032.