N.C. A&T Joins Inaugural Power4+ HBCU Esports League

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Nov. 11, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is taking part in the inaugural PlayVS and Urban One’s Power4+ HBCU Esports League, starting with the Fall Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2026, and the six-week regular season play beginning in late January. This league was created to bridge opportunity gaps while establishing a structured pathway for Black gamers.

“I believe collaboration is essential to the continued growth of collegiate esports within the HBCU community,” said Nick Martin, North Carolina A&T esports coordinator and Power4+ advisory committee member.

“This league has the unique ability to expand competitive opportunities in game titles that resonate with HBCU students and HBCU culture, while bringing institutions together to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and create meaningful pathways that prepare students for successful careers.”

The 32-member league will engage collegiate esports athletes across three pillars: the Fall Invitational, a multi-title spring season, and an in-person LAN Championship at A&T’s $3 million, state-of-the-art esports gaming area, which is under construction and projected to open in February 2027.

The Power 4+ Fall Invitational kick-off event will feature Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a 32-player double-elimination knockout bracket, and will be streamed live in partnership with Southern University.

The inaugural regular season will take place Jan. 25, 2027, through March 1, 2027, with one game per week, culminating in a postseason and LAN Finals hosted at A&T.

Eight top teams will enter the Division 1 Playoffs for a chance to compete in:

• Championship R8 Play-in: March 6-7, 2027
• LAN Day One: April 3, 2027
• LAN Day Two: April 4, 2027

All remaining teams will compete in the Division 2 Playoffs, where they’ll compete for pride in a fast-paced postseason weekend:

• Round of 8 & Round of 4: March 6, 2027
• Finals, Round of 2: March 7, 2027

A&T’s new esports arena will host the league’s premier LAN Finals, bringing top programs together for a live championship showdown. Located on the first floor of the Student Center, the arena will serve as both a competitive venue and an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Students from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, housed in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, will support live tournament productions using industry-grade equipment, gaining hands-on experience in esports broadcasting and media production while bringing the competition to audiences beyond campus. Fans can experience the action in person or watch remotely as the Power4+ champions are crowned.