Annual HBCU Showcase Heads to CareFirst Arena on December 4-5; Tickets on Sale Now
The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams for the third annual Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The event will be held on December 4-5, 2026, at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC, for the first time. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority of Washington, DC, will serve as host partner for the two-day event.
“Events DC is thrilled to welcome the Chris Paul HBCU Classic to the nation’s capital for the first time," said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. "The Chris Paul HBCU Classic is a true celebration of the rich culture, athletic excellence and enduring legacy of historically black colleges and universities. We look forward to hosting the teams and fans at CareFirst Arena for an unforgettable experience.”
Chris Paul is an active entrepreneur, philanthropist and leader. His production company Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment executive produced Why Not Us, a television series showcasing the importance of HBCU academics, sports and culture. The content series highlighted North Carolina Central Basketball, FAMU Football, Southern University Dance and Grambling Dance on ESPN+.
"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,” said Paul. "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."
Game Schedule:
Friday, December 4
10:00 AM ET - Winston-Salem State vs. Clark Atlanta
12:30 PM ET - Virginia State vs. West Virginia State
6:00 PM ET - Grambling vs. Tennessee State
8:30 PM ET - Norfolk State vs. FAMU
Saturday, December 5
10:00 AM ET - 3rd Place Game (Non-Division I)
12:30 PM ET - Championship Game (Division I)
6:00 PM ET - FAMU vs. Tennessee State
8:30 PM ET - Hampton vs. Howard
Tickets are now on sale. Visit Chris Paul HBCU Classic or Ticketmaster for more information.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Platinum-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and CareFirst Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC).
About Chris Paul
Affectionately known as the Point God, Chris Paul is a 12-time NBA All- Star and two-time Olympic Gold medalist. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team as one of the 75 greatest players in NBA history. In 2021, Paul became the first player in league history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists in their career. He ranks second on the NBA all-time career assists and steals list. Chris is entering his 21st season in the NBA with the Los Angeles Clippers. Off the court, he’s a father, husband, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. His recent New York Times best-selling memoir, Sixty- One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court, is a powerful and unexpected memoir of family, faith, tragedy, and life's most important lessons. As a leader, Chris served as the former President of the National Basketball Players Association from 2013 until 2021, spearheading the 2016 CBA as well as establishing THINK450 to manage the group licensing rights and create additional business opportunities for all 450 NBA players. His business footprint is diverse and includes a multi-platform production company Ohh Dip!!! Productions, as well as ownership of plant-based, better-for-you snack brand Good Eatn'. Additionally, he has minority ownership of the Indian Premier League's Rajasthan Royals, Jupiter Links GC of the TMR Golf League, Angel City FC, TBT (The Basketball Tournament) and TST (The Soccer Tournament) as well as the CP3 Basketball Academy in North Carolina. Through the Chris Paul Family Foundation, Chris continues to provide resources that enrich and strengthen underserved communities across the country through its Club 61 Leadership Alliance and the accredited HBCU Business of Entertainment Media and Sports class at NC A&T and Southern University. He previously served on President Joe Biden's advisory board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His philanthropic efforts have earned him the 2016 ESPYs “Humanitarian of the Year” award, the 2016 Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award, and the NBA Community Assist Award five times. Chris is also the first recipient of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant Advocacy Award for his significant contributions to the advancement of girls' and women's basketball and advocacy for the WNBA.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors—both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 475 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 150 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com and follow @hoophallU.
