Hampton and NC A&T set for NBA All-Star showcase

NORTH CAROLINA A&T ATHLETICS

North Carolina A&T and Hampton, whose rivalry began in the CIAA and continued in the MEAC and the CAA, will square off next year at the NBA HBCU Classic in Los Angeles.

Hampton and North Carolina A&T will take their basketball rivalry to next year’s NBA All-Star showcase.

The Pirates and Aggies will play in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic in Los Angeles. The date, tip-off time, location and broadcast information will be announced later. The programs are members of the CAA and the only historically Black colleges in the conference.

“North Carolina A&T State University looks forward to taking our wonderful college basketball rivalry with Hampton University, steeped with rich history of both historically black institutions, and showcase it to the world at the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles,” Aggies athletics director Earl Hilton said in a statement. “Both schools have produced quality student-athletes from Al Attles to Rick Mahorn and have shaped American history with such prominent figures as the A&T Four and Booker T. Washington.” 

The HBCU Classic is part of an NBA initiative to increasing support and awareness for Black college athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with the campuses.

“We are incredibly honored and excited for Hampton Men’s Basketball to participate in the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star 2026 in Los Angeles” Hampton athletics director Anthony Henderson said. “This is not only a tremendous opportunity for two historic institutions to showcase the talent, tradition, and excellence of our student-athletes on a national stage, but also a celebration of the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”  

Said CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio: “The CAA is excited to partner with the NBA in showcasing the Hampton and North Carolina A&T men’s basketball programs in a conference matchup set to take place in the NBA HBCU Classic. The NBA has been a consistent supporter in bringing elevated exposure to HBCUs.”

Hampton swept the season series in 2024-25, beating A&T 82-73 in Virginia on Dec. 3 and 74-73 in Greensboro on Jan. 20. The Pirates finished the season 17-16, 8-10 in the CAA standings while the Aggies were 3-15 in conference play, 7-25 overall.

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