North Carolina Wesleyan University’s Bishop Gaming Association (BGA), the University’s premier esports program, is excited to announce a renewed and expanded partnership with Brightspeed, ushering in a new phase of support for collegiate esports and STEM-focused student success.
As part of this renewed agreement, Brightspeed will provide a $2,500 scholarship to support a Bishop Gaming Association player, with the recipient to be selected for the spring 2027 semester. The partnership also includes continued sponsorship of NC Wesleyan University’s esports program, reinforcing Brightspeed’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students and increasing visibility of the University’s growing esports community.
Brightspeed’s Evolving Investment in Esports and STEM
The continued partnership builds on Brightspeed’s earlier investment in NC Wesleyan esports, part of a broader $580,000+ statewide commitment to STEM and esports initiatives across North Carolina. Brightspeed’s support spans tournament sponsorships, technology lab development, and direct investment in school and university esports programs, helping to enhance digital learning and competitive gaming opportunities for students.
“We’re proud to support organizations like Bishop Gaming Association as they spark creativity to help students see what’s possible,” said Sabrina Anderson at Brightspeed. “Our investment reinforces the power of community partnerships and the importance of bringing high-quality educational resources to students across North Carolina.”
At NC Wesleyan, Brightspeed’s continued backing supports scholarships, equipment upgrades, and travel for tournaments, ensuring the Bishop Gaming Association can compete at a higher level while providing students with rich, hands-on experiences in the rapidly growing esports ecosystem.
Esports as a Platform for Future Leaders
“Esports at NCWU is evolving, and this renewal from Brightspeed allows our students to evolve with it,” said Chantoni Grant, Director of Esports at NCWU. “We’re not just playing games. We are building leaders, creators, and future professionals. Brightspeed’s continued support gives our students the tools to take that next step.”
Participation in NC Wesleyan esports offers students opportunities to develop skills in broadcasting, content creation, event production, analytics, digital marketing, and information technology, all while representing the University in competitive play. These experiences align with workforce demands in technology, media, and STEM-related fields, positioning esports as both a co-curricular passion and a professional launchpad.
Get Involved with NC Wesleyan Esports
North Carolina Wesleyan University invites students, alumni, and community partners to engage with the Bishop Gaming Association and support the University’s expanding esports efforts. Those interested in learning more about NCWU esports, scholarship opportunities, partnerships, or student involvement can visit ncwu.edu or follow NC Wesleyan and Bishop Esports on social media for program updates, team highlights, and upcoming competitions.
About North Carolina Wesleyan University
North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) is a small, private Methodist-affiliated institution with a liberal arts-based core curriculum that prepares students for professional advancement, life-long learning and responsible participation in their communities. NCWU offers liberal arts, professional and graduate degree programs for traditional, transfer and working-adult students.
NCWU offers a best-in-class value and a personally tailored private higher education experience. We invest in each and every student we accept by providing individualized awards, scholarships and grants. Wesleyan is YOUR hometown University that is Personal. Practical, and Purpose-Driven. With students from all over the United States and more than 40 different countries, the University has immense cultural diversity. In addition to its educational mission, NCWU serves as a vital economic engine for the region, contributing over $209 million to the local economy.
To learn more, visit ncwu.edu and follow on Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.
