Learfield Sports announced today that it has developed a partnership with YouTube where each company will sell video ad products on over 50 college, university and conference-branded YouTube channels. Through the partnership, Learfield Sports will monetize content through a collection of YouTube’s different advertising options, including banner, instream and InVideo ads.

“This alliance allows us to continue to increase our number of digital ad products we can take to the marketplace. Our branded sales staffs on campus and at conference offices will be able to sell YouTube video ad products on school and conference-branded YouTube channels.  Our guidance on best practices will give our school and conference partners a YouTube strategy and incentive to grow and monetize this audience,” said Learfield Sports’ Vice President, Digital Media Kirk Berridge.

Schools and conferences will be advised on three key areas: programming and producing, publishing and optimization, and community and social media. In addition, Berridge will lead digital advertising sales training for Learfield Sports’ sales force on prospecting, positioning, packaging and pricing of the YouTube video ad products.

 YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community allowing millions of people to discover, watch and share originally-created videos. YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based inSan Bruno,CA and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.

Learfield Sports manages sponsorship and multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions, conferences and associations.  On April 5, 2011, the company hosted a College Sports Digital Media Summit, the first-ever event of its kind dedicated to college sports.  It also titles the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup with NACDA and USA Today and manages marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA).  For more information about the company, its nearly 40-year-old history and complete collegiate portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.