DES MOINES, Iowa - Drake University Athletics today announced a forward-thinking partnership with Corner 3, a Des Moines-based consulting firm specializing in sports marketing, revenue strategy, and event development.
Through this partnership, Corner 3 will serve as a strategic external advisor to Drake Athletics, responsible for identifying, developing, and executing high-value revenue opportunities that advance the critical priorities of the department. The focus of this new relationship is on generating new revenue through enterprise-level partnerships, including presenting-level sponsorship of the Drake Relays, athletic venue naming rights, and jersey patch agreements.
Corner 3 and Drake Sports Properties will work closely through Drake Athletics leadership to ensure consistency with existing multimedia rights and sponsorship agreements. The partnership represents a significant step forward in Drake Athletics' commitment to innovation, revenue diversification, and long-term program sustainability.
"Drake Athletics is focused on building a more sustainable and competitive model as college athletics continues to evolve," said
Brian Hardin, Director of Athletics at Drake University. "In each of the last few years, Drake Sports Properties has delivered record growth in the number of partners and annual sales. Corner 3 brings a proven ability to drive revenue, develop strategic partnerships, and unlock new opportunities that will strengthen our position while delivering greater value to our athletics department, fans, and partners. Together, this alliance will elevate the experiences and opportunities Drake Athletics can provide for our student-athletes, coaches, and staff."
Corner 3, led by long time sports executive, Ryan Grant, brings extensive experience across professional and collegiate sports, including naming rights, corporate partnerships, and large-scale event execution.
"College athletics is undergoing a fundamental shift in how programs generate revenue and engage their communities," said Grant. "At Drake, the opportunity is to translate a strong brand, loyal fan base, and premier events like the Drake Relays into scalable partnerships and long-term growth. Our work will focus on building a modern revenue model and creating measurable value for Drake, its partners, and the Des Moines community."
Individuals or businesses interested in learning more about the enterprise-level partnerships with Drake Athletics, Des Moines' Hometown Team, should contact Ryan Grant at
corner3@drake.edu.
About Drake Athletics
Drake University Athletics has approximately 380 student-athletes from 31 states and 26 countries. Drake sponsors 18 NCAA Division I programs, with 15 of its teams celebrating membership in the Missouri Valley Conference. Proud to be Des Moines' Hometown Team, where access, affordability, and proximity help differentiate Drake Athletics from competition of local minor-league sports teams and statewide NCAA Division I athletics departments, Drake Athletics is committed to sustained excellence in the classroom, competition, and community. Drake student-athletes have recorded a cumulative grade-point average greater than 3.30 in 14 consecutive semesters, have tallied a combined 31 regular season and conference tournament championships in the past eight years, and have committed more than 10,000 hours of community service to Central Iowa since 2021.
About Corner 3
Corner 3 is a consulting firm specializing in marketing and sales strategy, event management and production with a specific focus on sports. The firm partners with brands, organizations, and properties to develop and execute high-impact marketing initiatives that drive growth and engagement. From strategic planning to on-the-ground execution, Corner 3 delivers integrated solutions that elevate brand presence and create memorable experiences. With expertise spanning sports, events, and commercial marketing, Corner 3 helps clients connect with their audiences in meaningful and measurable ways.
