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HBCU Athletic Conference

GCAC Ushers in New Era, Set to Become HBCU Athletic Conference on July 1, 2024

GCAC Ushers in New Era, Set to Become HBCU Athletic Conference on July 1, 2024
March 2, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference is set to undergo a remarkable rebranding,  emerging with a new name  "HBCU Athletic Conference" and tagline "Where Winners Thrive". We are also announcing the contract renewal of Hope Credit Union (HOPE), the title sponsor for our basketball and baseball championships and our official banking partner. (Media pack attached)

Overview:

The HBCU Athletic Conference represents a dynamic evolution in our commitment to excellence and the empowerment of student-athletes. As we embrace this new identity, we are excited to showcase the vibrant legacy of our member institutions. We have set out to share stories of impact at the intersection of heritage and higher education.

In addition to our new brand identity, our banking partner, Hope Credit Union, has agreed to renew its contract for three years becoming the largest sponsorship contract in conference history.

Key Highlights:

  • Inspiring Tagline - Where Winners Thrive: Our new tagline, "Where Winners Thrive," encapsulates the spirit of the HBCU Athletic Conference. We believe in nurturing not only athletic prowess but also the holistic development of our student-athletes, ensuring they win both on and off the field. 

  • Strategic Partnerships: We are actively seeking partnerships with organizations that share our vision for promoting excellence in collegiate sports. Through these partnerships, we aim to create unparalleled opportunities for our student-athletes while enhancing their experiences at HBCUs. 

  • Hope Credit Union 

    • HOPE, the nation's leading Black- and women-owned financial institution goal is to eradicate the Black-white Homeownership Gap in the Deep South by increasing accessibility to affordable mortgages. By 2032, HOPE aims to help 12,000 Black households annually become homeowners across the Deep South.

    • HOPE (Hope Enterprise Corporation, Hope Credit Union and Hope Policy Institute) provides financial services; aggregates resources; and engages in advocacy to mitigate the extent to which factors such as race, gender, birthplace and wealth limit one's ability to prosper. Since 1994, HOPE has generated more than $3.9 billion in financing that has benefitted more than 2.7 million people in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee

Media Opportunities:

  • Exclusive interviews with Commissioner, Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes

  • Exclusive interview with Council of Presidents Chair, Dr. Herman Felton

  • Interview with HOPE CEO Bill Bynum on the decision to renew and increase the support level for the conference.

  • In-person interviews with student-athletes and coaches, including incoming member Stillman College (President Page and Athletic Director Terrance Whittle)

  • Ongoing behind-the-scenes access to events showcasing the new conference identity.

 

Read more about the rebrand here: HBCU Athletic Conference Press Kit