HBCU 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic Announces Field of Teams

Annual HBCU Showcase Heads to CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., for the First Time

Official Release | August 6, 2026 | 8:24 PM

The third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic will take place in Washington, D.C., in partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the field of teams for the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic. The event will be held on December 4–5 at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., for the first time. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, will serve as host partner for the two-day event.

Schedule

Friday, Dec. 4

Session 1
Winston-Salem State vs. Clark Atlanta
Virginia State vs. West Virginia State

Session 2
Hampton vs. FAMU
Grambling vs. Tennessee State

Saturday, Dec. 5

Session 1
3rd Place Game (Non-Division I)
Championship Game (Division I)

Session 2
FAMU vs. Tennessee State
Hampton vs. Howard

.@chrispaulfamfdn and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announce field of teams for 2026 Toyota @CP3 HBCU Classic December 4–5. #HOFHBCU | #HoophallU
— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) August 6, 2026

Hall of Fame Leadership

“The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to continue our partnership with Chris Paul in his passionate endeavor to provide HBCU student-athletes with impactful opportunities and a platform to showcase their talent,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Bringing the Classic to CareFirst Arena, a Monumental Sports & Entertainment building, is especially meaningful given Sheila Johnson’s role on our Board of Directors, and we look forward to bringing the teams, their fans, and the vibrant culture of HBCU basketball together under one roof in Washington, D.C., this December.”

Chris Paul’s Ongoing Commitment to HBCUs

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+.

In addition, Paul has an accredited business school case study course at NC A&T and Southern University titled Business of Entertainment Media and Sports, through a partnership with Professor Anita Elberse at Harvard Business School. The program enhances the curriculum for students pursuing careers in the sports and entertainment industries.

In the community, Chris serves as Co-Chair of When We All Vote and previously served as a member of President Biden’s Advisory Council for HBCUs. Paul graduated in December 2022 from Winston-Salem State University and became a proud Ram alumnus. He was welcomed by Morehouse College as their Class of 2026 Commencement Speaker and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree.

Chris Paul’s Statement

“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.”

Events DC Leadership

“On behalf of Events DC, we are proud to welcome the Chris Paul HBCU Classic to the Nation’s Capital. This event is more than basketball games—it’s a celebration of HBCU excellence, culture, and legacy. Washington, DC is honored to host this incredible experience, and we look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to enjoy an unforgettable weekend of championship-caliber basketball, entertainment, and community,” said Lawrence Hamm, Vice President of Business Development, Events DC. “This is sure to be one of the marquee sporting events of the year. Secure your tickets today and don’t miss the opportunity to experience a world-class HBCU showcase in the Nation’s Capital.”

Details surrounding tickets, game times, broadcast information, and credentials will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit hoophall.com.

Quotes from Participating Head Coaches

Alfred Jordan, Clark Atlanta
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic once again. This marks the third time our program has had the privilege of participating in such a prestigious event, and we don’t take that opportunity for granted. We have tremendous respect for the level of competition this tournament brings, and we’re excited to test ourselves against some of the best. Our team is looking forward to competing at a high level, representing Clark Atlanta University with pride, and embracing every challenge that comes our way.”

Charlie Ward, Florida A&M
“Being part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic is a great opportunity for our program and for FAMU. This is exactly the kind of stage our guys deserve, and I’m excited for Rattler Nation to see us compete on it. Chris Paul has built something special for HBCU basketball, and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Patrick Crarey, Grambling State
“We’re incredibly honored and excited to return to the Chris Paul HBCU Classic in 2026 after having the opportunity to participate in last year’s event. It’s a testament to the continued growth and recognition of our program and an outstanding opportunity to once again showcase Grambling State University on a national stage. Events like this celebrate the excellence, tradition, and culture of HBCU basketball while providing our student-athletes with an unforgettable experience. We appreciate Chris Paul and everyone involved in making this event possible, and we’re looking forward to representing Grambling State, our fans, and the entire HBCU community with pride.”

Ivan Thomas, Hampton University
“We’re excited to participate in the CP3 HBCU Classic once again. We had a tremendous experience in Atlanta last year, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to return for another first-class event. Our team is looking forward to competing this year in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. The CP3 HBCU Classic consistently brings together outstanding programs and provides a great atmosphere for college basketball. We’re excited to be a part of it.”

Kenneth Blakeney, Howard
“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. 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.”

Nolan Smith, Tennessee State
“Our program is very excited to travel to Washington, D.C., to play in my brother Chris Paul’s event. The basketball scene in D.C. will be electric, and we hope to add to the electricity. We are headed up to play in two big-time games.”

Lonnie Blow Jr., Virginia State
“We are extremely thrilled and excited to be participating in the 2026 Chris Paul HBCU Classic in Washington, D.C., on the weekend of December 4–5. We’ve watched the event in past, and we understand just how special it is to be a part of it this season. The opportunity to play and be a part of the happenings at the Chris Paul HBCU Classic will be tremendous for our program, university, alumni, boosters, and ‘Trojan Nation’ all around. Our team will be ready to compete, and I’m sure our VSU Trojan fans and supporters will be out in full force like always. We appreciate this opportunity and can’t wait to join in on the excitement and all the things that the Chris Paul HBCU Classic has to offer. See you there, ‘GO TROJANS.’”

Lester “Jay” Butler, Winston-Salem State
“I’m honored to be invited back to the Chris Paul HBCU event. It’s a true blessing to represent Winston-Salem State University and carry the Ram legacy with pride. I’m grateful for another opportunity to compete, grow, and represent on a big stage alongside some of the best HBCU programs. A special thank you to Chris Paul and the Chris Paul Family Foundation for creating this incredible opportunity and continuing to invest in HBCU student-athletes. Looking forward to making the most of it.”

Bryan Poore, West Virginia State
“We participated in the first Chris Paul HBCU Classic in 2021 and are extremely excited to be invited back for this year’s event. I want to thank Chris Paul, his foundation, and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for recognizing the importance of the Division II HBCU basketball programs and providing such an amazing, first-class experience for them. I would be remiss to not mention the first African-American to play in the NBA and graduate of WVSU, Earl Lloyd; his legacy has opened many doors for our program, and we look forward to representing him and WVSU in Washington, D.C., in December.”

2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic Unveils Official Team Field