PlayVS, Urban One Launch National HBCU Esports League

A new national esports community for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) was announced on Thursday. PlayVS and Urban One are supporting it. For the first time, HBCU esports teams will be able to compete on a single, well-organized national platform made just for them.

The three-year partnership was revealed during Black History Month. It aims to increase access and opportunities for HBCU students. This effort builds on the growing interest in collegiate esports.

The initiative provides a dedicated space for HBCU players in the PlayVS College League (PCL).

Bridging Access and Opportunity

According to reports, the new agreement, Urban One will sponsor the HBCU esports community. This means no membership fees will be required for HBCU-specific competitions or PCL events.

“Black gamers are among the most influential audiences in the industry, yet Black professionals make up only about 5% of its workforce,” said Tiffany Nasralla, Chief Revenue Officer of Urban One. “The gap isn’t about talent. It’s about access.” She emphasized that the partnership plans to turn cultural influence into real opportunities by giving HBCU students a national platform and pathways into the gaming and tech world.

PlayVS will use its competitive framework to support this broader league and help recruit schools for registration starting this fall. The official competitive season for the National HBCU Esports Community is set to start in Spring 2027.

A League for Every HBCU Program

The community welcomes all HBCUs, whether they are starting esports programs from the ground up or already have competitive teams in place. PlayVS officials describe the initiative as providing the necessary infrastructure for schools to succeed in competitive play.

Jaden Roberts, President of the Esports Association at Howard University, recognized the importance of this announcement.

He noted that for many students, “esports is more than just competition; it is a gateway to technology, media, and leadership.” Roberts pointed out the strong connection many HBCUs have with Urban One, including ties to Howard’s rich legacy.

Rolling Out a Cohesive Strategy

The rollout plan for the national HBCU esports community focuses on building connections and aligning institutions:

• Spring/Summer 2026: Engage HBCU campuses and integrate into PlayVS’s K-12 network to strengthen the path from school leagues to college competition.
• Fall 2026: Start competition within the PlayVS College League and hold special events for HBCU programs.
• Spring 2027: Officially launch the first full season of organized national competition.

Urban One will also use its wide media platforms to highlight the unique culture and leadership stories coming from HBCUs nationwide.

At the Intersection of Culture and Competition

The partnership between Urban One and PlayVS shows a growing awareness of esports as both a competitive and cultural force in higher education. This is especially for Black students who have often been underrepresented in the gaming field.

Beyond gameplay, this initiative aims to link HBCU students to technology and job opportunities associated with competitive gaming.

As esports quickly becomes part of mainstream college sports and entertainment, the creation of a national league just for HBCUs is a major milestone. Educational leaders and advocates hope it will offer long-term value to a new generation of student gamers.