MARION, Ind. — Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Athletics announced today a landmark seven-figure, multi-year partnership with Urban Edge Network (UEN) that will elevate the visibility, accessibility, and digital reach of Wildcat Athletics. Through this agreement, UEN becomes the exclusive video streaming network for all IWU athletic programs, marking a significant step forward in how IWU connects with fans, families, alumni, and supporters worldwide.

Under the partnership, all IWU athletic events will be streamed live and available on demand for free through the UEN platform and its affiliated distribution channels. The agreement represents the largest media rights contract for an individual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institution and positions IWU at the forefront of innovation within collegiate athletics.

"This partnership reflects IWU's commitment to innovation, excellence, and student-centered opportunity," said Jon Kulaga, Ph.D., IWU's president. "By making Wildcat Athletics more accessible through a free, high-quality streaming platform, we are extending the IWU experience beyond campus and strengthening connections with families, alumni, and supporters around the world. UEN shares our vision for elevating NAIA athletics while advancing the visibility and impact of our student-athletes and the university as a whole."

As part of the collaboration, IWU Athletics will introduce a uniform branding initiative in partnership with UEN. Beginning this spring, UEN will commemorate its fifth year in business with special anniversary logo patches worn across IWU athletic uniforms—a visible celebration of innovation, longevity, and shared growth.

This innovative approach places IWU at the forefront of modern collegiate athletics marketing, demonstrating how NAIA programs can integrate media, branding, and distribution partnerships to create meaningful exposure and long-term value.

"We are incredibly grateful to Hardy Pelt and the entire UEN team for their vision, partnership, and persistence throughout this process," said Jeffrey Reyes, Ed.D., IWU's associate athletic director for external operations. "Getting this deal done is truly thrilling, and we're proud to be trailblazers—setting a new standard for the NAIA and making a national impact through innovation and collaboration."

The partnership also creates direct benefits for IWU's student-athletes and athletic programs. This opportunity provides a pathway for continued investment, allowing seven programs to hire full-time assistant coaches for the first time, enhancing discipleship efforts, recruiting opportunities, and both practice and game preparation.

"Urban Edge Network will allow our fans an opportunity to view IWU competition on multiple video platforms for free, giving many people an opportunity to view IWU for the first time," said Brian Jaworski, Ph.D., IWU's vice president of student development and athletics. "We are so thankful for the way our teams both pursue athletic excellence and influence others for Christ, and this creates a wider opportunity to share all that God is doing here.

Beyond live streaming, UEN continues to expand its national footprint through advanced media distribution and monetization partnerships, including its recent integration with Sonobi's Supply-Side Platform (SSP). This expansion unlocks premium Connected TV (CTV) and programmatic access for advertisers seeking authentic, high-engagement sports audiences — a critical advancement for NAIA institutions like IWU that have historically lacked access to national distribution at scale.

For IWU and the NAIA, these expanded distribution capabilities significantly enhance visibility, sponsorship potential, and long-term sustainability by placing IWU athletics within premium digital ecosystems traditionally reserved for larger conferences.

"We're celebrating five years of innovation, resilience, and belief in communities that deserve a bigger stage," said Hardy L. Pelt, UEN's chief revenue officer and founding member. "Partnering with IWU— a program defined by championship pedigree, purpose, and excellence—felt like the perfect way to honor that milestone. Through expanded distribution and strategic technology partnerships, we're not just streaming games—we're strengthening brands, elevating student-athletes, and continuing our mission to serve and celebrate underserved audiences in meaningful ways."

As IWU continues to pursue excellence both on and off the field, this collaboration reinforces the university's commitment to innovation, student-athlete visibility, and leadership within the NAIA landscape.
 
About Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU)
IWU is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership.
Since its founding in 1920 as Marion College, IWU has grown into the largest private university in Indiana and one of the largest members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Through three divisions, the residential campus in Marion, IWU National and Global serving adult and online learners, and Wesley Seminary equipping pastors and ministry leaders, IWU serves more than 15,000 students who seek to live out their calling with wisdom and integrity.
Our impact reaches far beyond the classroom. IWU contributes nearly $650 million each year to Indiana's economy, supports more than 3,500 jobs, and provides over $35 million annually in scholarships. The university partners with communities across the state and nation, strengthening families, supporting local businesses, and expanding educational opportunities through faith and learning.
 
About Urban Edge Network (UEN)
Urban Edge Network (UEN) is a digital media company built to elevate sports, culture, and communities traditionally underserved by mainstream media. Through premium live and on-demand programming, advanced streaming technology, and strategic ad-tech partnerships, UEN delivers thousands of live events annually across collegiate athletics and cultural content. With a growing national footprint that includes NAIA institutions, HBCU partners, professional leagues, and expanded distribution through platforms like Sonobi SSP, UEN is redefining access, equity, and opportunity in the modern media ecosystem.
 
Media Contact:
Urban Edge Network
info@urbanedgenetwork.net