Partnerships

Professional partnerships play an important role in the development of our students. We currently provide three very unique experiences with each offering a variety of roles, from the front office to the broadcast booth. 

Rowan Radio 89.7 WGLS-FM is the official flagship radio home for the Delaware Blue Coats, the G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers and The Wilmington Blue Rocks, High Class A affiliate for the Washington Nationals. Rowan students exclusively call all home games for both franchises. 

Dr. Sanford Tweedie, dean of the Ric Edelman College of Communication Creative Arts, which houses the Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact, said it is even more important to build relationships outside the classroom that can lead to student employment opportunities. “In a time of tight economic markets, it is critical that we continue to provide internship opportunities for our students, as we know these often lead to post-graduation positions.”

Delaware Blue Coats

Rowan established a partnership with the Delaware Blue Coats in 2020. The home radio broadcasts are produced by students who handle play-by-play and color as part of the Blue Coats Broadcast Academy powered by Rowan Radio, 89.7 WGLS.

Supplementary to the broadcasting opportunities, students also produce and direct the television broadcasts for ESPN+, NBA-TV and DETV. Various other positions are filled by Rowan students including game-day operations, promotions, courtside stats crew, and website writers.

"We are thrilled to begin this innovative relationship with Rowan University," said Blue Coats President Larry Meli. "At its core, the NBA G League is all about developing talent, and that extends beyond the basketball court. We are excited to capture that spirit in our game broadcasts by providing the opportunity for students to put unparalleled, live professional basketball experience on their resumes."

Wilmington Blue Rocks

Rowan Radio has been the home for Blue Rocks baseball since 2011, but for the first time in 2021, Rowan students maintained all aspects of the radio broadcast. Eight Rowan students rotate duties to call all 60 Blue Rocks home games, while three students are part of the studio pre-game and postgame shows, and also serve as production managers. Additional front office positions are also filled by Rowan students including website writers and team photographer. 

“We are so excited to expand this partnership with Rowan University,” said Blue Rocks General Manager Vince Bulik. “To be able to help these young professionals gain experience in the industry, calling games and managing the production from the studio is so important to us. We know the hard work, professionalism, and dedication that Rowan University students have brought to our organization in the past and we can’t wait for everything that this season will bring.”

Cage Fury Fighting Championships

Our newest partner in 2023, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) is the gold standard in regional mixed martial arts (MMA). This comprehensive partnership creates dozens of opportunities for students including sports management, production, and public relations. The company is looking to move its headquarters to Glassboro and establish an on-campus media lab and studio to further enrich the student’s experiences.  

CFFC manages 27 MMA and college wrestling events all over the country for UFC Fight Pass offering students unparalleled exposure to the sports industry. Rowan is committed to providing unique experiential learning opportunities for students, allowing them to learn by doing. CFFC is helping Rowan fulfill that mission.