Chris Paul HBCU Classic Moves to Washington D.C. for First-Time Showcase

The Chris Paul HBCU Classic will be held Dec. 4‑5 at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., marking the tournament’s first appearance in the nation’s capital. Nine historically Black colleges and universities will compete in a two‑day event that features both Division I and Division II matchups.

Division I teams include Hampton, Florida A&M, Grambling State, Tennessee State and Howard, while Division II participants are Winston‑Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Virginia State and West Virginia State. A third‑place game for the Division II field and a championship game for Division I are also scheduled. The event is organized in partnership with Events DC and highlights the growing prominence of HBCU basketball.

Founder Chris Paul, a 2022 graduate of Winston‑Salem State, emphasized the platform’s role in showcasing talent on a national stage. Coaches from the participating schools praised the opportunity to compete in the capital and to gain broader exposure for their programs.