The HBCU Esports League is an exciting platform that showcases the talent of gamers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) . This league not only celebrates the gaming prowess of HBCU students but also serves as a gateway for them to access opportunities in the rapidly growing esports industry. In 2024, several major companies have stepped up to support the league, providing sponsorship that fosters growth, education, and engagement in the gaming community. Verizon Verizon continues to be a key supporter of the HBCU Esports League in 2024. The telecommunications giant plays a pivotal role in providing cutting-edge technology and connectivity, helping to ensure that HBCU students have the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest level. Beyond sponsorship, Verizon is also involved in promoting educational initiatives, offering workshops and networking opportunities to help students explore careers in esports, technology, and communications. Coca-Cola...

A trailblazer in the gaming industry is passing the torch.

The Howard University gaming community is celebrating a new achievement.

Usain Bolt is as quick on his feet as he is with his business moves. As of March 30, the Olympian became the co-owner of esports organization WYLDE, Forbes reports. Although his new company is based in Dublin, Ireland, its roots are in the Caribbean — just like the Jamaican track and field star. According to the outlet, WYLDE’s teams and players are currently competitors in Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT, Rocket League, and FIFA, which Bolt will now make a great influence on with his successful background as an eight-time Olympic gold medalist. “Usain coming on board takes WYLDE to the next level,” WYLDE co-founder David Cronin said, according to Forbes. “With his vast competitive experience and Olympic-winning mentality, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue to build professional structures to support the development of our players”.

Snoop Dogg’s ventures are still expanding! As AfroTech previously reported, the famed rapper celebrated a full circle moment after the acquisition of Death Row Records. Now, Snoop Dogg continues to prove he can do it all as he will join esports and entertainment company FaZe Clan as a member of its talent network and board of directors, The Hollywood Reporter revealed exclusively. “As the original internet kid and first generation gamer, Snoop more than anyone has always understood the cultural connection between music, lifestyle and gaming,” FaZe Clan’s Chief Strategy Officer Kai Henry said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “Today, Snoop is a leading voice in the emerging Web3 community and we have tremendous plans to create together in the metaverse, driving new engagement opportunities for both of our fanbases.” It appears Snoop Dogg’s new role is long overdue. While Snoop Dogg has cultivated a relationship with the organization throughout the years, he has been into gaming...

J.R. Smith is making his time in college worthwhile. The former NBA star will be partnering with esports company Complexity Gaming to host Complexity Stars HBCU Rebirth Rumble, an online Call of Duty: Warzone tournament, for students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). For J.R. Smith the opportunity will create a pathway to connect with others through the world of gaming. “As a student at NC A&T, I’m eager to find new ways to engage with my peers,” said J.R. Smith, according to a press release. “Thanks to my partnership with Complexity Stars, we were able to make the Rebirth Rumble possible and give students a unique opportunity to compete alongside world class athletes and top Call of Duty content creators.” Those who tap in can look forward to various perks such as a $10,000 prize pool and playing amongst COD influencers and popular athletes. Students will join the ranks of some of the best in COD gaming in a thrilling 3-vs.-3 Warzone competition. Trios...

LaMelo Ball is already off to a stellar year. The NBA Rookie of the Year and Charlotte Hornets Point Guard is launching an esports brand — MB1 Gaming — with the help of technology company One Up. The platform will support MB1 Gaming by providing the operating system and resources needed to thrive in the world of esports through the latest One Up OS platform. “We are excited to partner with stars like LaMelo in the creation of their own esports brands and communities through One Up’s turn-key technology platform,” One Up CEO Brandon Pitts said in a press release. “Many professional athletes are big gamers and are looking for unique ways to use their own gaming fandom to ignite and expand their fanbase. We are completely democratizing competitive esports, and providing gamers with the infrastructure to either compete and monetize their skills or launch their own esports business.”

Esports is taking the college world by storm. Having already launched an esports team back in February, Bowie State University wants to further support its students by creating an esports gaming lab facility , alongside a new game development and design degree, the Washington Business Journal reports. The historically Black university is currently on the lookout for bids to fund the gaming lab facility. The university hopes the gaming facility will encourage more students to tap into esports, strengthen their loyalty to the university’s team by creating an exclusive space, and support the addition of an undergraduate degree in game design. “It’s all part of an effort and plans to also create a game design academic program,” university spokesperson, Cassandra Robinson, said according to the outlet. Robinson also confirmed senior academic administrator Carl Goodman is leading the efforts for the layout of the degree program that is to come.