On December 4-5, 2026, CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., will host the 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The two-day event will feature historically Black colleges and universities from across the country, including Howard University, Hampton University, Winston-Salem State University, and Clark Atlanta University, among others.
- Date: December 4-5, 2026
- Location: CareFirst Arena (Washington, D.C.)
- Teams: Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Tennessee State University, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, Winston-Salem State University
“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,” Paul said. “Our partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our supporting sponsors allows us to continue to support the growth and development of HBCU Basketball.”
The annual showcase launched in 2021 with Boost Mobile in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Connecticut and later, Georgia. This year, the showcase will make its debut in Chocolate City. Session I will begin on December 4 with Winston-Salem State University vs. Clark Atlanta University and Virginia State vs. West Virginia State before Session II kicks off with Hampton University vs. Florida A&M University and Grambling State University vs. Tennessee State University. The following day, action will continue with Hampton University vs. Howard University and Tennessee State University vs. Florida A&M University.
“We are excited to be part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic. Chris has always represented excellence, leadership and giving back—values we strive to live every day at Howard,” Howard University Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney said. “We are especially looking forward to competing against Hampton University. It is one of the great rivalries in HBCU basketball with tremendous history, tradition and pride. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Howard University, celebrate HBCU basketball and be part of such a special event.”
