Black College Invitational Championship Names Van Wagner as Exclusive Multimedia Rights Partner November 21, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC (November 21 2025) – The Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) has named Van Wagner as its exclusive multimedia rights partner and sales agent, responsible for overseeing corporate sponsorships. This multi-year partnership represents a pivotal step in the BCIC’s mission to celebrate the talent, culture, and excellence of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) while expanding the tournament’s reach and enhancing the fan experience.
“The Black College Invitational Championship is about more than just basketball—it’s a platform to honor the incredible legacy of HBCUs and their vital contributions to our communities,” said Dr. Wes Bellamy, President and CEO of the BCIC. “Partnering with Van Wagner, a leader in sports marketing and multimedia rights, enables us to amplify this mission. Together, we will create an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes, fans, and supporters.”
As part of this partnership, Van Wagner will manage and develop the BCIC’s multimedia rights portfolio, including sponsorship sales, hospitality events, digital activations, and in-game promotional features. Leveraging its extensive expertise in college sports marketing, Van Wagner will work to maximize the tournament’s visibility and impact, ensuring the BCIC’s brand connects with fans, alumni, and corporate partners across the country.
“Van Wagner is proud to partner with the Black College Invitational Championship as its exclusive multimedia rights partner,” said Michael Palisi, President of Van Wagner College. “Our team is committed to building strategic partnerships that amplify the BCIC’s mission and bring this groundbreaking event to new heights. This collaboration underscores the unique role of sports in uniting communities, celebrating achievement, and honoring the legacy of HBCUs.”
The BCIC, debuting its inaugural basketball tournament in March 2025 at the Bojangles Coliseum, will feature 16 men’s and women’s Division I and II HBCU basketball teams competing for the title of Black College Basketball Champion. The multi-day event also includes auxiliary programming, such as a high school education day expo, career fair, step show, and golf tournament, making it a comprehensive celebration of HBCU culture.
Van Wagner, a leading provider of multimedia rights and production services for collegiate athletics, currently partners with nearly 50 colleges, universities, and conferences nationwide. With a proven track record of success, Van Wagner will collaborate with the BCIC, corporate sponsors, and media partners to optimize the value of multimedia rights and deliver impactful experiences for all stakeholders.
The Black College Invitational Championship is a premier HBCU basketball tournament designed to highlight the excellence, culture, and community of historically Black colleges and universities. In addition to its on-court competition, the BCIC offers diverse auxiliary events, creating opportunities for education, engagement, and celebration.
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About The Black College Invitational Championship:
The Black College Invitational Championship (BCIC) seeks to display high-quality post-season basketball featuring men’s and women’s teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through collaboration with our partners from various industries, we will ensure that all of our student athletes, fans, and participants are able to enjoy the valued tradition of HBCU basketball and culture. For more information, visit www.blackcollegeinvitationalchampionship.org.
About Van Wagner:
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, sponsorship sales, multi-media rights, and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises, and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands, and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and international soccer, sponsorships sales, college multi-media rights, and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.