NEW ORLEANS (March 27, 2024) – The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) has announced a new partnership with CLC, the leading collegiate licensing company, to license all merchandise and products featuring the conference’s logo and marks. This strategic move comes with the GCAC’s rebranding to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). The timing of this licensing partnership is crucial as the conference strategically expands its membership and partnerships.

GCAC Commissioner Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes emphasized the significance of this partnership with CLC, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with CLC as we transition to the HBCU Athletic Conference. This partnership provides us with licensing security, ensuring our conference’s identity is properly represented in the marketplace.”

CLC specializes in working with each of its partner institutions to develop a customized approach to licensed merchandise through collaborations with best-in-class consumer product companies that meet the needs of college fans and elevate college brands at retail. CLC will leverage its industry-leading data and relationships to help the GCAC identify new product and marketing opportunities to connect with fans of member institutions.

“We are excited to partner with the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference as they move to become the HBCUAC and to help celebrate the rich heritage and tradition of historically black colleges and universities through officially licensed merchandise,” said Brad Coley, CLC’s vice president of partnerships. “This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the fan experience for these esteemed institutions while supporting the unique identities of collegiate conferences and their member schools.”

For more information about the GCAC, visit gcaconf.com. 

About the GCAC

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The GCAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Oakwood University (AL), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) and Wiley University (TX). In October 2023, the GCAC announced the addition of three schools beginning July 1, 2024: Stillman College (AL), Voorhees University (SC), and Wilberforce University (Ohio). GCAC sponsors championships in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, women’s volleyball, and baseball. In 2022, the GCAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. For more information visit www.gcaconf.com.

For media inquiries, contact:

Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com, 770-799-3275