The CIAA sets course for the future with new deals

CIAA

The CIAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will remain in Baltimore through 2029 after conference leadership formally approved the host city deal last week.

The CIAA formally renewed ties with its basketball tournament host, apparel provider and baseball as a sponsored sport.

The conference’s board of directors and chancellors confirmed the basketball showcase will stay in Baltimore through 2029, a decision that was first announced last month. The tournaments have been played at CFG Bank Arena since 2022 after a 15-year run in Charlotte. The 2021 tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Baltimore’s leadership continues to demonstrate the importance of the CIAA to its community and culture,”  Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker said in a statement. “They understand and value the event’s impact, one that extends far beyond the game. It’s inspiring to be seen, heard, and celebrated at such a pivotal time.”

Visit Baltimore officials said the 2025 tournament generated $27.4 million economic impact and $19.8 million in direct spending impact over its five-day run while supporting 1,487 part-time and full-time jobs and generated $2.4 million in state and local taxes.

“We are incredibly grateful to the university presidents and chancellors for choosing to extend the CIAA tournament’s run in Baltimore through 2029,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. “The CIAA is more than a basketball tournament; it’s a cultural institution that celebrates excellence in education, community, and athletics. In the last three years, the CIAA tournament has generated $109 million in total economic impact for Baltimore — and its continued presence will not only boost our economy but also advance our shared commitment to equity and opportunity for all Marylanders.”

In addition to confirming Baltimore as tournament host, the CIAA extended its partnership with Baltimore-based Under Armour to provide apparel and footwear for athletes at the conference’s 12 member schools. The deal goes through 2029.

“We are thrilled that the CIAA has extended our partnership through 2029,” Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank said. “This collaboration goes far beyond apparel - it represents shared values, community impact, and a commitment to excellence through athletics.”

Back to the diamond

The CIAA also approved the return of baseball as a sponsored sport, which was dropped in 2018 when the conference didn’t have enough participating programs to qualify for the NCAA Division II playoffs. Four CIAA schools – Virginia State, Claflin, Lincoln (Pa.) and Bluefield State field teams. Claflin is in the Peach Belt Conference while Lincoln is in the East Coast Conference.

Additionally, the conference board voted not to extend St. Augustine’s membership due to ongoing compliance and operational concerns. The CIAA suspended the Raleigh school’s membership last year in all sports. 

St. Augustine’s was stripped of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools earlier this year due to financial and operational shortcomings.

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