Power4+ HBCU Esports League Unveils Brand and 25-School Roster

The league features a lineup of institutions including Bowie State University, Clark Atlanta University, Grambling State University, and Howard University. This three-year partnership seeks to move beyond simple competition, establishing a pipeline that connects students to professional career pathways in tech. An advisory committee composed of esports leaders from the participating schools will convene this summer to finalize structural details and select the inaugural slate of game titles.

Fall 2026 will mark the start of invitational competitions, serving as a prelude to the national championship event planned for early 2027. Charles O'Donnell, Director of Collegiate at PlayVS, stated that the project leverages Urban One’s media reach to support students from their first match through to their professional careers. Alvord Reese, AVP of Sales at Urban One, emphasized that the rapid adoption by these institutions highlights the significant economic and cultural influence of the Black gaming community. By integrating infrastructure with media exposure, the organizers aim to provide a scalable platform for brands to engage with a tech-forward demographic.