Urban Edge Network (UEN) is bringing its unique blend of sports and culture to a wider audience through an exclusive partnership with DIRECTV. The digital satellite and multichannel video platform will become the sole distributor of UEN’s new African American sports channel, set to launch in December 2024.
“This partnership will greatly expand our reach,” said UEN co-founder and CRO Hardy L. Pelt. “It gives our partners and content partners, such as the HBCU Athletic Conference and their members, Grambling State University, and Florida Memorial University, an even more national and international platform.”
The new channel, available on channel 4161, will be accessible to DIRECTV customers via the internet and DIRECTV STREAM. Satellite customers can also access the channel through the DIRECTV app.
UEN offers a diverse lineup of sports programming, including:
- HBCU Athletics: Showcasing top athletic competition from historically black colleges and universities, including women’s gymnastics and football championships.
- NBA G League Action: Featuring exciting games from the Texas Legends and coverage of auxiliary events at the Orange Blossom Classic.
- NAIA Women’s Sports: Broadcasting a variety of women’s sports competitions, including soccer, volleyball, softball, and gymnastics.
- Black Sports Insiders: A new show featuring national sports correspondents and in-depth analysis.
- HBCU Podcast Network: Offering popular podcasts like “Around the Block” and “In The Quad with Nick Eden.”
This partnership reflects DIRECTV’s ongoing efforts to diversify its programming and cater to a wider range of viewers. In recent months, DIRECTV has added a variety of channels targeting specific interests and demographics, including sports fans, people of color, and cooking enthusiasts.
“DIRECTV has grown its offering to streaming customers by adding a wide swath of channels whose audiences include sports fans, persons of color, cooking enthusiasts, and other diverse communities,” said a DIRECTV spokesperson.
The addition of UEN further strengthens DIRECTV’s commitment to providing inclusive and diverse content. By showcasing HBCU athletics, the NBA G League, and NAIA women’s sports, UEN brings a unique perspective and highlights underrepresented voices in the sports world.
This partnership is a significant step forward in increasing the visibility and accessibility of African American sports, and it promises to deliver a compelling viewing experience for DIRECTV customers.