HBCU+ Emerges As Game-Changer, Elevating Black Streaming Networks

Urban Edge Network, led by Hardy Pelt and Todd Brown, has disrupted the broadcast network landscape, thanks to HBCU+.

Sports Illustrated reports that Urban Edge Network, LLC (UEN), led by Hardy Pelt and Todd Brown, has made an impact in broadcast network landscape thanks to the HBCU+ streaming network. The platform, which debuted in 2021, reaches 300 million devices globally, making it a trailblazer in the historically neglected space of HBCU sports.

Pelt, the founding member and Chief Revenue Officer of UEN, identified the challenges faced by HBCUs in monetizing their sports properties. Seeking solutions, Pelt joined forces with industry veteran Brown, who boasts an impressive track record, including leadership roles at TheGrio, Ebony, Jet, Comcast, and Viacom. Their partnership was aimed at combating the unequal treatment of Black-owned media companies and became the driving force behind HBCU+.

Despite initial industry resistance, Brown and Pelt demonstrated unwavering determination to educate the marketplace. Their platform design provides HBCUs with exposure to revenue streams traditionally dominated by predominantly white-owned networks. This paradigm shift is not only revolutionary but crucial for the financial stability of historically Black institutions.

The strategic partnership with Amagi has further propelled HBCU+ and UEN, enabling access to cutting-edge technology, programmatic strategies, and influencer elements. This integration aims to maximize revenues for HBCU partners, offering a lifeline to athletic departments grappling with financial challenges.

Other milestones achieved by this duo include a groundbreaking broadcasting partnership with the NBA G League Texas Legends and the broadcast partnership with the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl. Additionally, the collaboration with the Impact Network has expanded UEN’s broadcasting capability to 70% of the country, solidifying its position as the premier Black-owned network for HBCU sports.

HBCU+ stands as an ad-supported Black college sports N=network, offering 24/7 access to live and on-demand HBCU games, sports events, original shows, films, podcasts, and more on platforms like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV, iOS, and Android.