Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament Returns: Celebrating HBCU Excellence and Cultivating Sports and Gaming Talent

HBCU Students: Compete in Madden NFL 25 and Secure a Spot at the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week!

Dec. 4, 2024 — NEW YORK: The National Football League (NFL) and EA SPORTS™ are continuing their dedication to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the highly anticipated return of the Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament.

This program empowers HBCU students, blending culture, sports, and gaming into a one-of-a-kind experience. Participants will compete in the Madden NFL 25 tournament for a chance to earn a trip to Orlando during the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week. The top four finalists will not only battle for the championship but will also gain valuable professional experience, including shadowing a live broadcast of the Madden NFL Championship Series and networking with industry leaders.

“We’re thrilled to continue this initiative for a fifth year,” said Ed Kiang, Vice President of Video Gaming for the NFL. “The Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament celebrates the intersection of culture, sports, and gaming while providing HBCU students with mentorship and unique career development opportunities.”

Tournament Details

• Registration: Now open for HBCU students at hbcutournament.nfl.com.
• Online Qualifiers: Dec. 20-21, Jan. 3-4, and Jan. 10-11.
• Last-Chance Qualifier: Jan. 12.
• Elimination Rounds: Jan. 18-19.
• Finals in Orlando: Jan. 28-Feb. 1, during MCS Playoffs Week and the 2025 Pro Bowl Games Week.

In Orlando, finalists will gain behind-the-scenes exposure to EA SPORTS, including insights into game production, mentorship from EA employees, and a deeper understanding of career paths within the gaming and sports industries.

Why This Matters for HBCU Students

The Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament isn’t just about gaming; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities. Students will have the chance to showcase their skills, connect with industry leaders, and explore careers that align with their passion for sports and technology.

About the NFL HBCU Initiative

The NFL’s commitment to HBCUs began in 2016 with the launch of Strength of HBCUs, Impacting Pro Football Since 1948. This initiative, in partnership with HBCU athletic conferences like the MEAC and SWAC, has expanded to include other schools and conferences, offering programs that connect HBCU students with opportunities in sports administration and beyond.

For more details and to register, visit hbcutournament.nfl.com.

Let’s celebrate HBCU excellence, compete, and elevate together.

Media Contact:
Liana Bailey | Liana.Bailey@nfl.com