The NBA has announced a new initiative in its support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The league and the NBA Foundation are partnering for a new annual HBCU student scholarship program and the first ever NBA HBCU Classic. The HBCU Classic will be played at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland as part of the NBA’s 75th anniversary celebration.
The NBA HBCU Classic will build on the success of the 2021 NBA All-Star. The game will feature a Middle East Athletic Conference (MEAC) showdown between Howard University and Morgan State University men’s basketball teams. . The game will be played at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland on February 19, 2022 and will be broadcast live.
“Howard University is incredibly proud to participate in the HBCU Classic during this year’s NBA All-Star Game,” said Kery Davis, director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Howard University. The NBA and the HBCUs are natural partners because of our rich heritage that uplifts underrepresented communities and our shared passion for cultivating opportunities for people of color. We appreciate the NBA’s commitment to supporting our institutions, and we are excited to showcase the talent and excellence on and off the court that has come to define MEAC and HBCU student-athletes. “
“As an association, the NBA is to be commended for its foresight and willingness to address important issues surrounding diversity, fairness and inclusion,” said Morgan State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Ed Scott. “The creation of the NBA HBCU Classic is a clear demonstration of the NBA’s commitment to promoting HBCUs and showcasing the talented young men and women on our campuses.”
During the NBA All-Star, more than $ 1 million will be contributed to support the HBCU community through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and academic institutions.
“The NBA family recognizes the outstanding and prominent role that the HBCUs have played in our society for decades. We also recognize that within our commitment to increasing black representation in the league and growing the game, we can create educational, athletic and professional opportunities through engagement with these institutions. Through continued collaboration with partners like TMCF and UNCF, our teams and members of the HBCU community, we look forward to expanding student and alumni support in meaningful ways. “
– NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum
Launched in 2022, the NBA and its teams will offer a new paid scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate students. The program, which will be run by the NBA Foundation, will offer HBCU students the opportunity to gain real-life knowledge and professional experience surrounding the business and operations of basketball. Students will work in positions in the league office and on NBA and WNBA teams, and will be paired with a mentor from league or team employees as part of their experience. Applications for the program will open on Careers.NBA.com in the next few months.
Additionally, the NBA, G League and Basketball Africa League will build on their pre-Draft combines and showcase events for HBCU players, coaches and athletic trainers. HBCU alumni and black entrepreneurs will partner with the league as part of the NBA’s commitment to incorporate more minority-owned businesses as league licensees.
You can learn more about the NBA HBCU support expansion here.