SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Learfield, Cal Poly Athletics’ multimedia rightsholder, announced today that Matt Mendes has been named general manager for its local Mustangs Sports Properties team that solely represents the university.

matt-mendes-headshot-cal-poly-gmMendes joins Learfield from the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, where he was manager of corporate development. Prior to that, he was with the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers as manager of premium sales. His additional professional sports experience includes working with the NHL’s San Jose Sharks as sales manager, corporate partnerships, and with the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets as corporate business development executive.

At Mustangs Sports Properties, Mendes will lead all aspects of the extensive rights relationship between Learfield and Cal Poly Athletics including signage, sponsorships, corporate hospitality, radio, television and digital opportunities via GoPoly.com. Additionally, he will work alongside Director of Athletics Don J. Oberhelman and the university athletic department to align initiatives in building the Mustangs’ brand locally, regionally and nationally.

Cal Poly1“Matt brings quality skills from his time in the professional sports landscape, and we’re excited to have him leading our Cal Poly relationship. He’s not only knowledgeable about the area but has established working relationships and brings excellent insight on many levels from his prior roles,” said Learfield Vice President Kerry Perry.

An industry leader for more than four decades, Learfield has a deep presence in the college athletics landscape nationwide. In addition to Cal Poly, it manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for more than 120 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, and supports athletic departments at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors’ Cup. Learfield also provides its collegiate partners access to professional concessions and ticket sales; branding, licensing and trademark consulting; digital and social platform expertise; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue and technology systems through its affiliated companies.