University of Houston Athletics
Houston Athletics, Group 1 Automotive Announce Multi-Year Partnership
11/6/2025 3:22:00 PM | General, Cougar Pride
HOUSTON – University of Houston Athletics and Group 1 Automotive, Inc., a Fortune 250 automotive retailer with 259 dealerships in the United States and the United Kingdom, announced a new multi-year partnership on Thursday that aligns two powerhouse Houston-based brands committed to excellence, community impact and elevating the student-athlete experience.
Through this multi-year agreement, facilitated by Houston Cougar Sports Properties, Group 1 becomes the exclusive luxury vehicle partner for Houston Athletics. The partnership will showcase Group 1 branding across Football, Men's & Women's Basketball and Baseball assets and events, providing high-visibility branding, fan engagement opportunities and integrated community initiatives.
"This partnership is the result of two Houston-based organizations coming together with mutual values and beliefs that will be beneficial for both parties" Houston Vice President of Athletics Eddie Nuñez said. "We're thrilled to have Group 1 become Houston Athletics' official luxury vehicle partner. Through their philanthropic commitments and their support of our community, combined with their worldwide brand coupled with our growing brand is an essential piece of the puzzle to everything we are doing here at the University of Houston."
Another component to the partnership includes a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program that will directly support University of Houston student-athletes. Group 1 Automotive will collaborate with selected athletes to promote brand initiatives, community engagement and social storytelling that reflects shared values of hard work, leadership and excellence.
"Group 1 believes in investing in the communities and institutions that shape tomorrow's leaders," said Shelley Washburn, Group 1's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Through this partnership with the University of Houston, we're not only aligning with a powerhouse athletics program but also supporting academic and leadership development. It's a true collaboration built around growth — both on and off the field."
Group 1 will support two cornerstone University programs:
"We're thrilled to team up with Group 1 Automotive and pair our brands together to create additional engagement opportunities for Houston fans and enhance the student-athlete experience," said Shane Hildreth, General Manager of Houston Cougars Sports Properties.
Houston Cougars Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Houston Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Cougars.
About Group 1
Group 1 owns and operates 259 automotive dealerships, 324 franchises, and 35 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.
Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.acceleride.com, and www.facebook.com/group1auto.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
Through this multi-year agreement, facilitated by Houston Cougar Sports Properties, Group 1 becomes the exclusive luxury vehicle partner for Houston Athletics. The partnership will showcase Group 1 branding across Football, Men's & Women's Basketball and Baseball assets and events, providing high-visibility branding, fan engagement opportunities and integrated community initiatives.
"This partnership is the result of two Houston-based organizations coming together with mutual values and beliefs that will be beneficial for both parties" Houston Vice President of Athletics Eddie Nuñez said. "We're thrilled to have Group 1 become Houston Athletics' official luxury vehicle partner. Through their philanthropic commitments and their support of our community, combined with their worldwide brand coupled with our growing brand is an essential piece of the puzzle to everything we are doing here at the University of Houston."
Another component to the partnership includes a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program that will directly support University of Houston student-athletes. Group 1 Automotive will collaborate with selected athletes to promote brand initiatives, community engagement and social storytelling that reflects shared values of hard work, leadership and excellence.
"Group 1 believes in investing in the communities and institutions that shape tomorrow's leaders," said Shelley Washburn, Group 1's Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "Through this partnership with the University of Houston, we're not only aligning with a powerhouse athletics program but also supporting academic and leadership development. It's a true collaboration built around growth — both on and off the field."
Group 1 will support two cornerstone University programs:
- AD Excellence Fund – Group 1 will support strategic opportunities and initiatives across the athletics department and provide the Vice President of Athletics with philanthropic dollars to assist in the areas of greatest need; with this commitment, Group 1 becomes a member of the Nantz Leadership Society
- UH Alumni Association – creating enhanced engagement opportunities for alumni, including exclusive event access, vehicle offers and co-branded experiences
"We're thrilled to team up with Group 1 Automotive and pair our brands together to create additional engagement opportunities for Houston fans and enhance the student-athlete experience," said Shane Hildreth, General Manager of Houston Cougars Sports Properties.
Houston Cougars Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Houston Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Cougars.
About Group 1
Group 1 owns and operates 259 automotive dealerships, 324 franchises, and 35 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 36 brands of automobiles. Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.
Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.acceleride.com, and www.facebook.com/group1auto.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities which provides financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
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