CHARLOTTE, NC (December 10, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will host a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Lexington Market in Baltimore to preview the 2026 CIAA Food Lion Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament. As the tournament returns to the city once again, the CIAA will share updates on fan experiences, community programming, partnerships, and the continued tradition of gathering in a place that so many consider their opportunity to come home to Baltimore during championship week.
“Every year we return, Baltimore greets our conference with the same familiar warmth and pride,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “There’s a sense of belonging that our student athletes, alumni, and fans feel here. Coming home to Baltimore isn’t just a sentiment, it reflects the community spirit and cultural connection that make this tournament so meaningful. We’re excited to build on that experience in 2026.”
Media interested in attending can submit for credential access here.
Tickets and hotel information for the 2026 CIAA Food Lion Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament are available at ciaatournament.org.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the United States and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans annually. The Basketball Tournament was honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the presidents and chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston Salem State University. For more information, visit theciaa.com and follow the CIAA on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.