CHARLOTTE, NC (January 27, 2026) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®), the nation’s first and oldest historically Black athletic conference, today announced the return of the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, taking place February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, MD.
Timed to Black History Month, the CIAA Basketball Tournament stands as one of the most enduring and culturally significant traditions in collegiate athletics. What began more than 80 years ago with a $500 vision shared by a handful of Historically Black Colleges and Universities has grown into one of the largest and most celebrated events in the NCAA, often regarded as the HBCUs’ March Madness.
Each year, the CIAA Tournament draws nearly one hundred thousand fans from across the country, welcoming student-athletes, alumni, families, celebrities, and community leaders for a week-long celebration of competition, culture, and connection. The tournament generates more than $300 million in economic impact annually, has awarded millions of dollars in scholarships, and has helped shape generations of leaders on and off the court.
#FebruaryIsCIAA, and Baltimore residents, and fans nationwide are invited to experience a dynamic sports and culture extravaganza featuring 22 men’s and women’s championship matchups, along with signature CIAA events including Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, Super Saturday, A-List Performances, and more.
“This tournament represents the heart and soul of Black college sports and tourism,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “For more than eight decades, the CIAA has preserved and propelled Black excellence in higher education and sports. The Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament is more than a competition, it is a powerful reflection of our history, our resilience, and our continued impact on generations of student-athletes and communities.”
As part of the CIAA’s multi-year partnership with ESPN, all 22 games will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+, with championship games also airing on ESPNU, ensuring national visibility for one of the most storied conferences in collegiate sports.
Baltimore continues to be a natural home for the CIAA Tournament. As one of the nation’s leading cities for Black culture and history, the city provides a fitting backdrop for a tournament that celebrates legacy while driving meaningful economic and community impact.
"The CIAA Tournament holds a special place in my heart as both an HBCU graduate and an HBCU dad. It’s an honor to partner with the CIAA to bring this incredible event back to Baltimore in 2026," said Kireem Swinton, Interim President & CEO of Visit Baltimore. "Beyond the action on the court, this tournament is a celebration of Black excellence, a driver of meaningful economic impact for our local businesses, and a powerful way to bring our community together. It’s a privilege to showcase Baltimore as a city where culture and community are celebrated together."
In addition to the on-court action, the CIAA will host a slate of fan-favorite events throughout tournament week, including the Fan Fest, Career Expo, Education Day, Step Shows, A-List Performances, CIAA Parties, The John B. McClendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast, community service initiatives, and a series of town halls and symposiums focused on education, health, financial wellness, and innovation.
The Media credentialing site for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament is now open. Register for credentials: HERE. Credentialing closes February 10, 2026 at 5 pm ET.
To purchase tickets, book hotels and get the latest information about the CIAA, visit CIAATournament.org. Fans can take advantage of BOOK WITH A BESTIE ticket sale by hitting “unlock” when selecting Tournament tickets and using code BFF26 for 2 General Admission tickets for $80 or 4 for $160 (Thursday, Friday or Saturday Single Session General Admission tickets - plus fees) valid through February 28.
For more Tournament information, fans can also like us on Facebook, and follow us on X, Instagram, and Twitch.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the U.S., and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, 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 on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on X and Instagram.
About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the official sales and marketing arm for the City of Baltimore. The 501(c)(6) non-profit organization generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. In 2022, 26.7 million people visited Baltimore for overnight and day trips, spending a total of $3.7 billion to Baltimore’s economy. For more information, please visit Baltimore.org.
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