HBCU+ Breaks Barriers to Become Leading Black Streaming Sports Network
Urban Edge Network’s (UEN) HBCU+ platform has achieved incredible growth, reaching over 300 million devices nationally and internationally.
Led by Hardy Pelt and CEO Todd Brown, HBCU+ is disrupting the sports broadcasting landscape by giving historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) control over monetizing their athletic events.
Uplifting Neglected HBCUs with Innovative Platform
HBCU+ was born out of a mission to help HBCUs overcome long-standing financial struggles in broadcasting their sports properties. Pelt, UEN’s founding member and Chief Revenue Officer, presented these challenges to the Trump administration before partnering with industry veteran Todd Brown.
“Despite initial opposition from the industry, Brown and Pelt showcased their determination to educate the marketplace, providing HBCUs with the much-needed exposure to revenue streams that had been traditionally enjoyed by predominantly white-owned networks,” said Jamal Davis, media analyst.
Leveraging Partnerships to Accelerate Growth
Strategic alliances were key to HBCU+’s rapid expansion. Their partnership with Amagi accelerated growth through advanced technology, programmatic strategies, and influencer collaborations.
Additionally, UEN’s deal with the Impact Network enabled broadcasting in 70% of the United States. This reach allowed HBCU+ to become the #1 Black-owned network for HBCU sports after broadcasting over 100 live events.
Historic Milestones and Future Plans
Since its 2021 launch, HBCU+ has achieved historic firsts, including broadcasting partnerships with the NBA G League’s Texas Legends and the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl.
“UEN and HBCU+ have made it their mission to promote diverse voices and create a more inclusive sports entertainment landscape,” said Davis.
Moving forward, the networks aim to uplift HBCU athletic departments through maximized revenues, overcoming years of financial instability.
Transforming an Industry
What started as a vision to support struggling HBCUs has transformed into a powerful force reshaping sports entertainment. HBCU+ now provides 24/7 access to live and on-demand HBCU games, events, original shows, and more.
“By providing historically black colleges with much-needed exposure to revenue streams, Urban Edge Network’s HBCU+ platform has transformed the sports entertainment industry,” Davis said.
