The Heart of America Athletic Conference Announces Landmark Media Rights Partnership with Urban Edge Network
In a transformative move to elevate its digital footprint and expand national exposure, the Heart of America Athletic Conference has entered into a groundbreaking media rights partnership with the Urban Edge Network (UEN).
The Heart of America is a perennial power conference in the NAIA, consisting of 15 member institutions and sponsoring 29 championship sports. With a history of success both on the field and in the classroom, the Heart consistently ranks among the most competitive and well-rounded conferences in the association.
The five-year agreement is projected to generate seven figures in value for the conference, representing one of the most significant media rights deals in NAIA history. All games will continue to be streamed on The Heart Conference Network and will now also be available on the Urban Edge Network, both streaming platforms are available on major streaming devices.
The conference and UEN are also partnering on the development and production of one-of-a-kind shows, while The Heart simultaneously enhances its creative content strategy to promote The Heart Network and grow the conference's already impressive social media reach, which currently exceeds 2.5 million views per month.
"This partnership is about more than just streaming games—it's about amplifying the voices of our campuses, celebrating the journeys of our student-athletes, and pushing the boundaries of creative content delivery," said Nik Rule, Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference. "UEN brings unmatched expertise in media distribution and brand storytelling. Together, we're positioning one of the NAIA's most competitive conferences at the forefront of innovation, while expanding access to national audiences and premier brand partnerships."
Hardy Pelt, Chief Revenue Officer of Urban Edge Network, added: "This innovative partnership marks a groundbreaking evolution in how brands and agencies can connect with audiences on a national scale. Together, we will create dynamic opportunities for our partners to showcase their clients in ways never before possible, harnessing the power of technology to amplify their reach and impact. This is not just a new chapter for UEN; it's a revolutionary leap forward for the entire community we serve."
The Heart of America's 29 championship sports include:
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Men's Sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
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Women's Sports: Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling
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Co-ed/Other: Cheer, Dance, and Esports
The Heart of America's 15 full member institutions include:
Baker University (KS), Benedictine College (KS), Central Methodist University (MO), Clarke University (IA), Culver-Stockton College (MO), Graceland University (IA), Grand View University (IA), MidAmerica Nazarene University (KS), Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Valley College, Mount Mercy University (IA), Peru State College (NE), Park University (MO), William Penn University (IA), and William Woods University (MO).
The conference is also home to affiliate members competing in nine different sports, including:
Columbia College (MO), Dickinson State University (ND), Dordt University (IA), John Brown University (AR), Kansas Wesleyan, Midland University (NE), Morningside College (IA), Ottawa University (KS), St. Ambrose University (IA), Texas Wesleyan, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis (MO).
For more information about The Heart, visit www.heartofamericaconference.com. For details on Urban Edge Network, visit www.urbanedgenetwork.net.