By: Nick Guerriero, TSU Athletics
NEW YORK (TSU News Service) – The NBA today announced that the 2027 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T will feature the Howard University and Tennessee State University men’s basketball teams on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Hardwood Central within Jam Session (Phoenix Convention Center), as part of NBA All-Star 2027 in Phoenix.
TSU will make their first appearance participating in the Classic, while Howard University will compete for the second time after capturing a win in the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic in 2022. The 2027 NBA HBCU Classic will air on ESPN and NBA TV at 12 p.m. MT and fans can purchase tickets at NBAEvents.com.
“Howard University and Tennessee State University have longstanding connections to the NBA and basketball traditions that span generations,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “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 2027 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T is a continuation of the NBA’s commitment to increasing support and awareness for athletics and advancing educational, career and economic opportunities in partnership with HBCUs. As part of the commitment, the NBA and AT&T will jointly donate $50,000 each to Howard and TSU. Since 2021, when the NBA expanded its commitment to HBCUs, the NBA family has contributed more than $5.8 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships.
“I am very excited for my players first and foremost. 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,” said Nolan Smith, TSU Head Men’s Basketball Coach. “To represent Tennessee State on a national platform puts our university, our city, and our alumni in the spotlight – and our school deserves that opportunity. I cannot wait for us to go to Phoenix and represent Tennessee State University. I am incredibly thankful to my NBA family for making this opportunity possible.”
“It is an honor for Howard University to participate in NBA All-Star Weekend for the second time. We are grateful to the NBA for creating a platform that celebrates HBCUs and connects our students with a global audience,” said Kenny Blakeney, Howard University Head Men’s Basketball Coach. “This experience extends beyond the basketball court and gives Howard students the opportunity to engage with one of the most significant events in sports, culture and entertainment. It allows them to learn, build relationships and experience firsthand the energy and possibilities surrounding NBA All-Star Weekend – not simply as student-athletes, but as members of the Howard community. We look forward to contributing to this special weekend and representing our university, alumni and community with gratitude and pride.”
Notable NBA alumni with ties to both universities include five-time NBA All-Star John Wall (Howard University Men’s Basketball President of Basketball Operations), 11-year NBA veteran Robert Covington (Tennessee State University Men’s Basketball Chief Basketball Officer), and Nolan Smith (Tennessee State University Men’s Basketball Head Coach and former NBA player).
As part of Foot Locker’s continued support of the NBA HBCU Classic, Foot Locker will once again host an introductory event for the teams during NBA All-Star 2027, inclusive of a competition between each school’s bands and cheer teams. Tickets for the NBA HBCU Classic also grant fans admission to NBA Jam session on Saturday, Feb. 20.
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
