Howard, Tennessee State Will Play 2027 NBA HBCU Classic
The matchup will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center on February 20, 2027, as part of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Basketball
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The NBA selected Howard University and Tennessee State University to face off in the 2027 NBA HBCU Classic on February 20, 2027. This basketball showcase will take place in Phoenix as part of the league's annual All-Star festivities.
Why it matters
The game celebrates the contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities to basketball while providing a high-profile platform for student-athletes. As part of the event, the NBA and AT&T are donating $50,000 to each participating university.
The NBA and AT&T will grant each university $50,000, adding to the $5.8 million the league has contributed to HBCU institutions since 2021. The game will tip off at 12 p.m. MT on February 20.
The players
Howard University
This private, federally chartered research university based in Washington, D.C., is a prominent Historically Black College and University.
Tennessee State University
Located in Nashville, this public, land-grant university is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country.
NBA
The National Basketball Association is the premier professional basketball league in North America.
AT&T
This multinational telecommunications holding company provides the partnership funding alongside the league.
The details
Hosted at the Phoenix Convention Center, this event marks the first appearance for Tennessee State University in the Classic, while Howard University returns after playing in the inaugural 2022 game. The matchup will be broadcast live for viewers on ESPN and NBA TV.
Timeline
2021: The NBA began expanding its financial commitment to HBCUs.
2022: Howard University played in the inaugural NBA HBCU Classic.
February 20, 2027: The 2027 NBA HBCU Classic basketball game occurs at 12 p.m. MT.
Season Trajectory
This game extends the NBA's HBCU development initiative, which serves as a central pillar of the league's community outreach during the All-Star break. It highlights the continued integration of collegiate HBCU talent into the broader professional basketball ecosystem.
Fans in Phoenix and across the country can purchase tickets for the event through the official portal at NBAEvents.com. The game will be televised nationally at 12 p.m. MT on February 20.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing national visibility for HBCU athletics during major professional sporting weekends. Interested fans should book tickets early, as All-Star weekend events historically experience high demand.
Further reading
For more on the league's commitment to the sport, see the Basketball section.
More information
To secure your seat or learn more about the event, visit the NBA HBCU Classic ticket portal.
Live Poll
Do you believe professional sports leagues featuring HBCU games provides meaningful support for those schools?
