Southern University among first HBCUs to join national Esports initiative

The Southern University E-sports and Digital Gaming Ecosystem (EDGE) is among the first historically Black colleges and universities to join the new National HBCU Esports Community, an initiative launched by PlayVS and Urban One. The initiative establishes the first dedicated, long-term competitive gaming home for HBCUs nationwide, expanding access, visibility and pathways for collegiate esports participation.

This one-of-a-kind partnership combines Urban One's cultural authority and its 80 million monthly unique reach, with PlayVS's extensive collegiate competition infrastructure, creating both visibility and access to scale. The launch of the community comes amid rapidly growing interest in collegiate esports and underscores the importance of equitable access and representation for HBCU students within the industry.

“As pioneers in the collegiate space, Southern University EDGE athletics is excited to join forces with PlayVS and Urban One,” said Christopher Turner, esports program director at Southern University. “This partnership bridges the gap between competitive gaming and the vibrant culture of HBCUs, meeting our students exactly where they are with a dedicated stage to showcase their skills and leadership.”

The National HBCU Esports Community will also leverage Urban One’s media platforms to amplify HBCU stories, esports culture and student leadership. Through this collaboration, Southern University student-gamers will have access to expanded competition opportunities, potential scholarship support and pathways into careers in technology and media.

Developed within the PlayVS College League, the three-year partnership will provide structured competition, national exposure and support for HBCU students — regardless of where a school’s esports program currently stands. Registration for the community opens in fall 2026, with the inaugural season of competition set to launch in spring 2027.