26 November 2024 – We’ve announced an expanded partnership with OTT broadcaster Urban Edge Network and an increase in its comprehensive, real-time stats-led coverage of basketball, to include SWAC and MEAC Men’s and Women’s Division 1 HBCU games.
Urban Edge Network’s platforms will leverage our new AI-powered Opta Stream tool to enrich and broaden storytelling across SWAC, MEAC, and the wider basketball ecosystem, including the NBA and WNBA.
Opta Stream enables Urban Edge Network to provide fans with AI-powered, automated, in-depth, play-by-play updates, with sponsorable stats-led graphics and insights for every Division 1 HBCU basketball game, allowing unprecedented access and engagement for HBCU sports.
As part of this partnership, this enhanced coverage will also be paired with the storytelling power of our fan-facing digital destination, Opta Analyst.
Renowned for its data-driven narrative capabilities, Opta Analyst will deliver Urban Edge Network weekly custom content focused on college basketball, developed by our best-in-class research department, utilizing tools from the OptaAI Studio creator suite, and its one-of-a-kind, data-driven Opta Content editorial team.
HBCU+, Urban Edge Network’s premier streaming platform, will also leverage Opta Analyst to deliver storytelling that delves into predictive team and player stats, team trends, and player highlights.
This data-driven approach will enrich the college basketball narrative, giving deserved greater recognition to the achievements of Men’s and Women’s Division 1 HBCU athletes.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Urban Edge Network, bringing comprehensive, data-rich play-by-play coverage and unique stories leveraging our OptaAI tools and Opta content editorial services to the passionate fans of HBCU basketball and beyond,” said Steve Xeller, Chief Revenue Officer at Stats Perform. “This partnership underscores our commitment to elevating underrepresented sports and teams, while harnessing the power of data and AI to enhance the fan experience.”
“By expanding our collaboration with Stats Perform, we are not only bringing high-quality coverage to HBCU sports but also amplifying the stories behind the players and teams,” said Hardy Pelt, Founding Member and Chief Revenue Officer at Urban Edge Network. “Through Stats Perform’s innovative AI technology and data expertise, we are setting a new standard for how fans connect with HBCU athletics and professional leagues.”
Learn more about the work we’re doing with Urban Edge Network to celebrate and elevate HBCU student-athletes here.
