Lynchburg, VA June 9, 2022 – On June 9, 2022, HBCU League Pass+ and Virginia University of Lynchburg announced the latest, exclusive partnership to broadcast student events and open the door for increased media representation of HBCU athletics. The partnership will breathe new fire into HBCU League Pass+ and its growing lineup of HBCU entertainment.
The historic, faith-based institution is home to the VUL Dragons consisting of various athletic teams, including men’s football, women’s volleyball, and both men and women’s basketball and track & field. Tim Newman, VUL’s Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, is looking forward to seeing the Dragons grace the global stage and extend more opportunities to Black student athletes.
"We are super excited about the relationship,” says Coach Newman, “The HBCU League Pass+ platform is a great idea, and it will be a great addition to college football. We thank God for the opportunity to be a part of this platform. It will be awesome for the athletes, students, staff, and the community. We are revved up to showcase the talent of our teams."
Co-Founders, Hardy Pelt and Todd F. Brown, of Black-owned Urban Edge Network, created the company to offer 24/7 streaming of HBCU student events. The ongoing streaming of Black student events accessible to fan bases anywhere, at any time, has opened the gate for new revenue streams to enter university programs.
"We founded Urban Edge Network to bring culturally relevant content to communities that have been historically underserved,” says Todd Brown, Co-Founder and CEO of Urban Edge Network, parent company of HBCU League Pass+. “Virginia University of Lynchburg is a prime example of the commitment we have made to shine a spotlight on the excellence within HBCUs.”
Brown understands that this union will be a game-changer for VUL, Lynchburg’s first and oldest institution of higher learning. “We partner with HBCUs to give them the opportunity to monetize student activities on our over-the-top platform and in local media markets,” says Brown. “By highlighting HBCUs, which are the heart and soul of Black communities, we elevate the surrounding areas that are anchored by institutions like Virginia University of Lynchburg.”
Since its inception, Urban Edge Network has facilitated partnerships with HBCUs across the east coast and southern states, leading to increased media representation for Black athletes and more funding opportunities for major higher education institutions. As HBCU League Pass+ continues to advance its mission, more fans across the country will have access to prime HBCU student events.
To learn more about Urban Edge Network or stream live HBCU student events, visit https://www.hbculeaguepassplus.com/HBCULP/.
