SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 6, 2026) – The Chris Paul Family Foundation and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame uncovered their field of teams for the third annual Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic where the Howard University men's basketball program was selected. The announcement came Thursday afternoon.
 
The two-day event (Dec. 4-5) takes place at the CareFirst Arena in southeast D.C., for the first time. Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, will serve as host partner for the two-day event.
 
"The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to continue our partnership with Chris Paul in his passionate endeavor to provide HBCU student-athletes with impactful opportunities and a platform to showcase their talent," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "Bringing the Classic to CareFirst Arena, a Monumental Sports & Entertainment building, is especially meaningful given Sheila Johnson's role on our Board of Directors, and we look forward to bringing the teams, their fans, and the vibrant culture of HBCU basketball together under one roof in Washington, D.C., this December."
 
Saturday (Dec. 5), the Bison clash with rival Hampton in the next installment of The Battle of the Real HU. A year ago (Dec. 13, 2025), Howard outlasted the Pirates, 61-57.
 
"We are excited to be part of the Chris Paul HBCU Classic," said Howard men's basketball head coach Kenneth Blakeney. "Chris has always represented excellence, leadership and giving back—values we strive to live every day at Howard. We are especially looking forward to competing against Hampton University. It is one of the great rivalries in HBCU basketball with tremendous history, tradition and pride. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent Howard University, celebrate HBCU basketball and be part of such a special event."
 
Paul is an active entrepreneur, philanthropist and leader. His production company Ohh Dip!!! Entertainment executive produced Why Not Us, a television series showcasing the importance of HBCU academics, sports and culture. In the community, Chris is the Co-Chair of When We All Vote and previously, a member of President Biden's Advisory Council for HBCUs. In December 2022, Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State University and became a proud Ram alumnus. He was welcomed by Morehouse College as their Class of 2026 Commencement Speaker and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters Degree.
 
"HBCU basketball has become an important pillar of college sports," Chris Paul stated. "As support continues to grow, I am excited to bring this year's games to the DMV area and provide the teams an opportunity to showcase their talent on a national platform. Our partnership with the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and our supporting sponsors allows us to continue to support the growth and development of HBCU Basketball."
 
Details surrounding tickets, game times, broadcast information and credentials will be announced at a later date.
 
Last season was a historic year for the program, winning 24 games and tying the school record for most wins in a season. More importantly, Howard won a first round NCAA game for the first time in school history, setting the stage for something special in years to come.
 
HU finished 23^rd on the CollegeInsider.com Men's Mid-Major Top 25 Poll for the first time in its 27 years of existence and looks to build on this season's success for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame website at www.hoophall.com.