NFL to Host Madden NFL 21 Tournament for SWAC, MEAC, SIAC and CIAA

The National Football League will host a Madden NFL x HBCU Tournament in partnership with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference to connect HBCU communities and encourage competition among Madden NFL players.

Tournament participation is open to all registered students at SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, and CIAA institutions. Registered players will participate in a single elimination qualifier tournament for their school’s conference with the top four from each conference advancing to Super Bowl week.

The tournament is one of several programs the NFL has implemented to recognize and strengthen its relationships with HBCUs. Nerd Street Gamers will be responsible for creating a seamless experience for all players and participants for the tournament.

“This tournament is all about engaging student bodies across Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” NFL Head of Gaming & Esports Rachel Hoagland said. “We are committed to providing opportunities and fostering a welcoming environment for students who are passionate about games like Madden NFL 21. Throughout the year we have collaborated with the four conferences on several initiates and are looking forward to further enhancing our relationship. This tournament is a unique opportunity for students who are passionate about games like Madden NFL 21 to engage with the NFL and we are excited to work with Nerd Street Gamers.”

Nerd Street Gamers will lead all operations including registration, online tournament execution, player communications, competitive integrity and a live broadcast during the week of the Super Bowl. Players can register to compete in the tournament for free with a chance to win cash prizes.

“We’re honored to lead operations for this inaugural tournament,” said John Fazio, founder and CEO of Nerd Street Gamers. “Our HBCU tournaments are pillars of progress that stand for the empowerment of equality and we’re proud to be aligned in the effort to make esports more inclusive. Partnering with a prestigious organization like the NFL ensures that this opportunity will have a positive and lasting impact.”