HAMPTON AND NORTH CAROLINA A&T SELECTED TO PLAY IN 2026 NBA HBCU CLASSIC PRESENTED BY AT&T DURING NBA ALL-STAR 2026
7/8/2025 12:00:00 PM
Dylan Smith RICHMOND, Va. – The Coastal Athletic Association, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University have announced that the two storied institutions will compete in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, presented by AT&T, as part of NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles.
In conjunction with the NBA, the date, tip-off time, location and broadcast information will be announced at a later date. For those interested in receiving ticket information about the CAA matchup between these two prominent universities at NBA All-Star 2026, please click the following link.
“The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men’s basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic,” said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs. The ability to work with the world’s premier organization for basketball is an incredible opportunity that aligns with the core values of the Conference and its membership in maintaining the importance of being ‘United in Excellence’. We are eager to see two of our institutions shine at NBA All-Star 2026 in February.”
The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T is a continuation of the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for HBCU athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs.
“We are incredibly honored and excited for Hampton Men’s Basketball to participate in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles” said Hampton University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr. “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage, but also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Thank you to the NBA and the CAA for this unbelievable opportunity as we look forward to bringing Pirate pride to the West Coast and providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our student-athletes.”
“North Carolina A&T State University looks forward to taking our wonderful college basketball rivalry with Hampton University, steeped with rich history of both historically black institutions, and showcase it to the world at the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles,” said North Carolina A&T Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Earl M. Hilton III. “Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington. Therefore, it will be an honor to share this international stage with Hampton University. The NBA and the CAA have provided us with a wonderful opportunity, and Coach Ross and our student-athletes will be sure to bring Aggie Pride to LA.”
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About the CAA
Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the CAA has 13 full members located along the East Coast from Boston to Charleston, S.C. The conference sponsors 24 sports and has produced 17 national team champions in four different sports, 33 individual national champions, 15 national players of the year, 15 national coaches of the year, and 13 winners of the Honda Award. For more information, visit www.caasports.com or follow CAASports on X, Instagram and Facebook.
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in 60 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season featured a record-tying 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA’s global social responsibility platform, partners with renowned community-based organizations around the world to address important social issues in the areas of education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.
About Hampton University Athletics
The primary focus of Hampton University athletics is to enhance the overall student-athlete experience, improve facilities, and foster a culture of excellence. The department of athletics has expanded support services, including academic resources, mental health initiatives, sports medicine, and sports performance programs. The University is also working to enhance our facilities for all 17 sports programs, improve locker rooms, and upgrade our weight training and medical treatment areas.
Academic success remains at the forefront. Hampton University has bolstered its academic support services, including tutoring, mentorship programs, and career development workshops. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) plays a critical role in fostering academic excellence. Hampton University student-athletes are held to high academic standards and take pride in their accomplishments in the classroom.
Enhancing the student-athlete experience has been a major priority. The University has expanded resources related to health and wellness, nutrition, and mental health support. Hampton University has provided more leadership development opportunities and strengthened the alumni network to help with career placements. Additionally, the department of athletics continually works to improve the overall team resources to ensure our athletes have what they need to succeed.
About North Carolina A&T State Athletics
Consistent with the mission statement of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the North Carolina A&T Department of Intercollegiate Athletics looks to provide an intellectual environment where students develop a sense of identification, belonging, responsibility, and achievement that prepares them for leadership and service in regional, national and global communities. The Department of Athletics provides a comprehensive program of intercollegiate competition as an integral part of the total educational experience for all students by supporting 17 varsity teams.
Embracing the principles of competitive excellence, sportsmanship, diversity, ethical conduct, and amateurism while facilitating the academic objectives of the student-athletes, the department complies with all conference and association rules and regulations and ensures equal opportunity and access for all students and staff who desire to associate with intercollegiate athletics without regard for race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or religion.
Media Contacts:
CAA: Dylan Smith, dsmith@caasports.com
NBA: Brandon Gassaway, bgassaway@nba.com, Karel Calcote, kcalcote@nba.com
Hampton University: Mike Ballweg, michael.ballweg@hamptonu.edu
North Carolina A&T State: Brian Holloway, bmhollow@ncat.edu