Baltimore Will Host CIAA Basketball Tournament in February

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament returns to Baltimore for a week of play starting February 23.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Baltimore Will Host CIAA Basketball Tournament in February

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The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association will bring its annual basketball tournament to Baltimore's CFG Bank Arena from February 23-27. Twelve member schools will compete in the championship event, which has been held in the city since 2021.

Why it matters

The conference hosts this tournament to showcase the pride and long-standing traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The event serves as a major cultural and athletic anchor for the participating institutions and their supporters.

The 2026 tournament attracted more than 30,000 fans and generated over $30 million in local economic impact. The upcoming event will feature all 12 member schools of the conference.

The players

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association

This athletic conference was formed in 1912 to oversee sports programs primarily for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Fayetteville State

This member university is currently projected by tournament organizers to finish in first place during the men's basketball tournament.

Winston-Salem State

This university is currently expected by conference officials to secure the top finish in the women's basketball tournament.

The details

Tournament organizers recently held a media day with representatives from all 12 member schools to release preseason rankings for both the men and women competitions. Fayetteville State is currently expected to finish first in the men's bracket, while Winston-Salem State is favored to lead the women's tournament.

The CIAA was founded in 1912.
The first men's tournament was held in 1946.
The conference moved the tournament to Baltimore in 2021.
The tournament is scheduled for February 23-27, 2027.
The commitment to host in Baltimore runs through 2029.

Season Trajectory

The 2027 tournament continues the multi-decade legacy established by the 1946 inaugural men's basketball tournament. As the conference approaches its 2029 commitment end date in Baltimore, the event remains a cornerstone of the competitive balance and reach of its 12 member schools.

With the tournament running February 23-27, attendees can utilize available discount packages for general admission seating at the arena. Fans should note the preseason rankings, which position Fayetteville State and Winston-Salem State as the current teams to beat in their respective brackets.

The takeaway

The upcoming tournament highlights the long-term impact of university athletics on local economies. Supporters planning to attend should monitor conference updates to secure ticket packages well before the February start date.