#United States #Los Angeles #HBCU #PlayVS #Urban One

PlayVS and Urban One Launch Historic National HBCU Esports Community

In a landmark collaboration, PlayVS and Urban One are creating a unique competitive gaming community tailored specifically for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This initiative, launched during Black History Month, aims to enhance access and visibility for HBCU students in the realm of collegiate esports.

The partnership, set to last three years, establishes a foundational infrastructure as part of the PlayVS College League, which will facilitate structured competition and media exposure for HBCU students. The long-term goal is to establish sustainable pathways from K-12 gaming to higher educational opportunities through structured competitive play.

Tiffany Nasralla, Chief Revenue Officer at Urban One, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "Black gamers represent one of the industry's influential audiences, yet they comprise only about 5% of the workforce. The disparity stems not from a lack of talent but from a lack of access. Our collaboration with PlayVS aims to build a national platform that amplifies HBCU students' visibility and creates genuine opportunities in industries they have significantly influenced."

The newly formed league serves as a unified competitive platform for all HBCUs, providing essential resources regardless of whether they have existing esports programs. This initiative enables any participating university to engage in structured competition, ensuring that all students have opportunities to showcase their skills in a supportive environment. Registration for institutions will open this fall, with competitive events commencing next February.

Jaden Roberts, President of the Esports Association at Howard University, shared his excitement about this partnership: "Esports is not just about competition; it's a gateway to technology, media, and leadership roles. This collaboration with Urban One, especially considering their deep ties with our university, is inspiring. We’re ready to engage in this new league and support a dedicated community that highlights HBCU talent on a national stage."

Strategic Rollout and Community Development

The launch of the National HBCU Esports Community is set to unfold in phases that prioritize community involvement and sustainability. The initial phase will focus on outreach to HBCU institutions and introduce collegiate esports opportunities to K-12 talent, ensuring a robust transition from scholastic to collegiate competition.

• - Community Building and Recruitment (Spring and Summer 2026): PlayVS will actively reach out to HBCUs and introduce competitive gaming opportunities to engage K-12 students. This effort is pivotal in fostering pathways to higher education.
• - PlayVS College League and Invitational Series (Fall 2026): Schools participating in this community will compete in the PlayVS College League and partake in specialized HBCU-focused invitational events designed to build excitement and enhance visibility on a national scale.
• - Official League Launch (Spring 2027): The inaugural season of the National HBCU Esports Community is anticipated to formally commence, establishing a comprehensive competition platform for all member institutions.

Amplifying HBCU Stories on a National Stage

To further promote this initiative, Urban One will leverage its vast media networks to enhance exposure for HBCU esports events. The coverage will extend beyond competitions to highlight the unique culture, leadership, and academic excellence that characterize the HBCU experience.

Christopher Turner, Esports Program Director at Southern University, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts: "Joining forces with PlayVS and Urban One allows us to blend competitive gaming with the rich culture present in HBCUs. Our students will have a dedicated platform to express their skills and represent their institutions on a broader stage."

This groundbreaking endeavor stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment to uplifting HBCU voices and fostering a new generation of talent in the esports field. By empowering students through structured opportunities and community-building initiatives, PlayVS and Urban One are paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future in the gaming industry.