D.C. Welcomes the Premier HBCU Basketball Showcase
This third annual tournament, a cornerstone initiative by Chris Paul and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, continues its mission to provide a national platform for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moving to Washington, D.C. marks a significant expansion, offering an incredible stage in a city rich with history and strong community ties.
John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, emphasized the continuous partnership with Chris Paul to empower HBCU student-athletes. He highlighted the significance of hosting at CareFirst Arena, a Monumental Sports & Entertainment building, noting Sheila Johnson's crucial role on the Hall of Fame's Board of Directors.
Unveiling the Matchups: Who's Playing?
The Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic schedule is packed with exciting matchups featuring some of the most competitive programs in HBCU basketball.
Friday, December 4 – Day One Showdowns
The opening day will feature four games across two sessions, giving fans plenty to look forward to as the participating programs battle for their place in the weekend's decisive matchups.
Session 1
- Winston-Salem State vs. Clark Atlanta
- Virginia State vs. West Virginia State
Session 2
- Hampton vs. Florida A&M (FAMU)
- Grambling State vs. Tennessee State
Saturday, December 5 – Championship Clashes
The action continues Saturday with the tournament's placing and championship games, followed by two more highly anticipated matchups.
Session 1
- 3rd Place Game – Non-Division I
- Championship Game – Division I
Session 2
- Florida A&M vs. Tennessee State
- Hampton vs. Howard
The lineup brings together a strong mix of Division I and non-Division I HBCU programs, setting the stage for a weekend filled with rivalry, competition and school pride.
Paul's Vision: More Than Just a Game
Chris Paul's dedication to HBCUs extends far beyond the basketball court. His production company, Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment, executive produced the Why Not Us series, which has highlighted the academic, athletic and cultural importance of HBCUs through stories involving North Carolina Central basketball, Florida A&M football, Southern University dance and Grambling State dance.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Paul made clear that the Classic is about creating meaningful opportunities for HBCU athletes to shine on a bigger stage. “HBCU basketball has become an important pillar of college sports. As support continues to grow, I’m excited to bring this year’s games to the DMV area and provide the teams an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national platform.”
HBCU Excellence on Full Display
Events DC, the official host partner, is equally enthusiastic about welcoming the Classic to the nation's capital. Lawrence Hamm, Vice President of Business Development at Events DC, described the event as “more than basketball games—it’s a celebration of HBCU excellence, culture, and legacy.”
With Washington, D.C. serving as the backdrop, the two-day showcase is expected to attract fans and visitors from across the country. Beyond championship-caliber basketball, the event will celebrate the culture, history and community that make HBCU sports such a powerful part of American college athletics.
Clark Atlanta head coach Alfred Jordan praised the tournament's level of competition and said his team is eager to represent the university with pride. Florida A&M head coach Charlie Ward similarly welcomed the opportunity to put his players on a national stage, describing the Classic as the type of platform his team deserves.
Grambling State will also return after participating in last year's event. Head coach Patrick Crarey highlighted the Classic as an opportunity to showcase the university's tradition and culture while giving his student-athletes an unforgettable experience.
Hampton head coach Ivan Thomas echoed that excitement after his team's experience in Atlanta last year, while Howard head coach Kenneth Blakeney pointed to the historic rivalry between Hampton and Howard as one of the weekend's special storylines.
A Weekend Built on Tradition and Rivalry
Tennessee State head coach Nolan Smith is particularly looking forward to bringing his team to Washington, D.C., calling the basketball scene in the capital “electric.” Virginia State head coach Lonnie Blow Jr. also expects strong support from Trojan fans as his team prepares for the national showcase.
Winston-Salem State head coach Lester “Jay” Butler welcomed the chance to return to the event and represent the university's Ram legacy alongside some of the nation's top HBCU programs.
West Virginia State head coach Bryan Poore brings another layer of history to the event. WVSU participated in the inaugural Chris Paul HBCU Classic in 2021, and Poore highlighted the legacy of Earl Lloyd, the first African-American player in the NBA and a West Virginia State graduate.
That combination of history, rivalry and opportunity is what makes the 2026 edition particularly compelling. From established Division I programs to Division II contenders, the Classic provides every participating team with an opportunity to compete, connect with fans and represent its university on a national stage.
Washington, D.C. Set for a Major HBCU Basketball Weekend
The move to CareFirst Arena represents an important new chapter for the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic. With a strong field of teams, historic rivalries and a growing commitment to HBCU student-athletes, the event is positioned to become one of the standout college basketball showcases of the year.
The tournament will take place on December 4-5, 2026, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., with Events DC serving as the host partner. Ticket details, game times, broadcast information and credential information will be announced at a later date.
For fans eager to experience HBCU basketball, culture and community in the nation's capital, the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic promises a weekend worth watching.
