By Andrew Keiper for Signal Akron
The University of Akron will spend upwards of $1.36 million to become the official university partner of the Cleveland Browns, a deal university officials hope will expand internship and educational opportunities for students.
“This is a touchdown for both organizations,” the university’s president, R.J. Nemer, said in a press release. “Given the prominence of professional sports in our region and the comprehensive educational programs we offer at UA, we’re creating a pipeline of talent and jobs that is of net benefit for our entire region and beyond.”
Here are five details worth noting about the partnership.
How much will the deal cost the University of Akron?
The total base cost of the partnership for the university is $1,359,678. Here’s the annual amount UA will pay the Cleveland Browns as its “exclusive” higher education partner, starting this year:
- 2024: $325,000
- 2025: $334,750
- 2026: $344,792
- 2027: $355,136
Additionally, the contract includes playoff clauses that will send more money from the university to the team.
If the Browns advance to an AFC wild-card playoff game, the university will pay the franchise 10% of the annual partnership fee.
Reaching the divisional round will lead to a 12% payout; and the AFC championship game is 15%.
If the Browns play one or more playoff games on the road, including the Super Bowl, the university will pay the Browns 5% of the annual fee.
The postseason clauses are incremental, meaning that the university owes the team for each game played. The total postseason fees the university can be charged are capped at $75,000.

What educational benefits does it offer UA students?
The contract includes a number of educational benefits specifically meant to boost the University of Akron’s sports business academics.
UA students will be offered “collaborative” internship opportunities focused on the Browns’ business operations. This features “interfacing” with Browns’ representatives in events such as discussion panels.
The internship program will not be exclusive to the university.
The partnership includes a special classroom project that will “enhance learning about the business operations of a professional sports team,” according to the contract.
Meanwhile, the partnership offers some Cleveland Browns employees discounted online degrees through the University of Akron.
What are the marketing opportunities for both parties?
The University of Akron will receive multiple marketing opportunities through the partnership, including game day animations during home games — inside and outside the stadium.
More significant than the in-person marketing are the digital, television and radio ads the partnership includes, from utilizing the Browns’ trademarks and logos on promotional materials to University of Akron banner ads on the Browns website and full-screen ads on their mobile app. Additionally, the franchise will highlight the university during local television broadcasts of preseason and regular season games.
The Browns will be permitted to sell merchandise at University of Akron events.
Game day benefits
The university will be granted usage of one suite for a single home game at the stadium for 14 people. The suite provision in the contract includes a $1,250 food and beverage credit. The contract doesn’t specifically state if this is an annual or one-time agreement. The deal also includes four tickets for each preseason and regular season home game. For the 2024 season, these tickets will be in the lower level of the stadium. From 2025-27, the tickets will be in the stadium’s club section.
That’s a lot. Is there anything else included?
The partnership allows the university to use the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus and the Browns stadium annually for up to five private events. Combined, the team will cover up to $7,500 of facility, food and beverage costs for all events.
At training camp, the Browns will provide UA with 100 guest passes, seating for guests and one alumni appearance for one training camp practice. The contract is unclear if the training camp experience will be an annual event or a one-off. Additionally, the franchise will provide 20 training camp passes, including a VIP experience for each pass holder.
The university will also receive one membership to the Browns Business Alliance.