A trip to NBA All-Star Weekend will mean a first-time experience for Tennessee State and a return to familiar territory for Howard, as both HBCU programs look to build on seasons that included appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
The NBA announced Tuesday that Howard and Tennessee State will meet in the 2027 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Hardwood Central inside Jam Session at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The game, part of NBA All-Star 2027 in Phoenix, will air on ESPN and NBA TV.
Both programs enter the spotlight after reaching the 2026 NCAA Tournament, adding another layer of significance to a matchup that will showcase two HBCU basketball programs on a national stage.
Tennessee State will make its first appearance in the NBA HBCU Classic, while Howard will compete for the second time after winning the inaugural event in 2022.
The matchup continues the NBA’s effort to spotlight historically Black colleges and universities while expanding opportunities for their student-athletes beyond the basketball court.
“Howard University and Tennessee State University have longstanding connections to the NBA and basketball traditions that span generations,” NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said. “The NBA HBCU Classic at NBA All-Star 2027 will celebrate these institutions’ contributions to our game while giving their student-athletes a global platform to showcase their talent and share their schools’ proud histories with fans around the world.”
The NBA and AT&T will each donate $50,000 to Howard and Tennessee State as part of the event, providing $100,000 to each institution.
Since expanding its commitment to HBCUs in 2021, the NBA family has contributed more than $5.8 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships. The initiative aims to increase support and awareness for HBCU athletics while advancing educational, career and economic opportunities.
Howard coach Kenny Blakeney said returning to All-Star Weekend will give students another chance to connect with one of the biggest events in sports and entertainment.
The experience, he said, extends beyond basketball, allowing students to build relationships and explore opportunities while representing the university, its alumni and its community.
For Tennessee State coach Nolan Smith, the opportunity is especially meaningful because of what it represents for his players and the university.
“I am very excited for my players first and foremost,” Smith said. “They have an opportunity to play on a big stage, one set up by the NBA, and it will be a special moment for them all.”
