NBA Announces 2026 HBCU Classic in Los Angeles

Strategic Insights -

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced that the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, featuring the Hampton University Pirates and North Carolina A&T Aggies men's basketball teams, will take place on Friday, February 13, as part of the NBA All-Star 2026 festivities in Los Angeles. The game will be played at the Kia Forum in Inglewood at 8 p.m. PT.

The NBA HBCU Classic is a annual basketball game featuring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) teams, promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport. The event aims to highlight the rich basketball heritage of HBCUs and showcase the talents of student-athletes from these institutions. The game's hosting is a testament to the NBA's commitment to promoting diversity and social responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic will feature Hampton University Pirates and North Carolina A&T Aggies men's basketball teams.
  • The game will take place on Friday, February 13, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, as part of the NBA All-Star 2026 festivities.
  • The event is part of the fifth NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T.
  • Tickets are available for purchase at a 50% discount now through this weekend.
  • The NBA has a mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball, promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.
  • The NBA has a significant international presence, with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories.
  • The NBA has a strong social responsibility platform, NBA Cares, which partners with community-based organizations to address important social issues.
  • Hampton University Athletics has a comprehensive focus on academic achievement, athletic performance, personal development, and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • The department has strengthened mental health services and invested in advanced sports medicine and performance programs.
  • Hampton University student-athletes consistently demonstrate pride in their classroom performance, with a focus on academic excellence.
  • The University has broadened its focus on health and nutrition and introduced new leadership development initiatives.

Statistics:

  • 214 countries and territories have access to NBA games and programming.
  • 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team, and player platforms.
  • 125 international players from a record-tying 43 countries were on NBA rosters at the start of the 2024-25 season.
  • 33 individual national champions have been produced by the CAA.
  • 15 national coaches of the year have been produced by the CAA.
  • 13 winners of the Honda Award have been produced by the CAA.

Sources:

  • "About the NBA" (nba.com)
  • "About the CAA" (caasports.com)
  • "About Hampton University Athletics" (hamptonu.edu)
  • "2026 NBA HBCU Classic" (nba.com)