NBA HBCU Classic 2025: A Spotlight on HBCU Talent and Culture
Photo Credit: Gainbridge
Written By: CJ Hall
As we move forward from a challenging season of change and reflection, it’s a good time to remember how important it is that we intentionally pour into our communities and take pride in our cultural contributions. The NBA is helping champion this conversation, placing HBCU athletics in the spotlight with its annual HBCU Classic.
Just four years ago (2022), the National Basketball Association launched the HBCU Classic basketball game as part of their legendary All-Star Weekend broadcast sponsored by AT&T.
The league recently dropped details of the Fourth Annual Classic, which will now feature a matchup between Tuskegee University and Morehouse College going down in The Bay Feb. 15, 2025.
With this news, we thought it would be important to shed light on how the NBA delivers on its commitment to raising awareness for HBCU athletics and celebrates the culture.
Photo Credit: NBA via Instagram
Behind the NBA HBCU Classic
The NBA’s push behind kicking off the Classic in 2022 is more than a stereotypical competition between two rival teams. It’s providing HBCU athletes with a national reach, reaffirming the rich cultural significance HBCUs have on the sports community.
The Classic complements the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, an initiative that puts HBCU students in paid internships across the NBA, WNBA, and G League offices. By connecting students to career opportunities in sports and business, the league is transformatively pouring into the next generation of HBCU graduates, creating a gateway for diverse talent to break into professional spaces.
Last year’s NBA All-Star 2024 game took place in Indiana and the HBCU Classic featured Winston-Salem State University and Virginia Union University. The third annual event attracted record attendance, and included fresh, immersive celebrations like pep rallies, career development sessions, a student art design showcase and the All-Star HBCU Event Intern Program.
The 2025 Matchup
As this event continues to grow, excitement builds, especially with the anticipated 2025 game between Morehouse and Tuskegee.
“We are thrilled to have Morehouse College and Tuskegee University compete in the fourth NBA HBCU CLassic during NBA All-Star 2025,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “The HBCU Classic has become a staple event within our All-Star festivities, and we look forward to both programs showcasing their talents during the game, as well as celebrating HBCU culture throughout the weekend.”
For this year’s game, the teams were chosen in partnership with the SIAC to highlight the deep-rooted traditions and competitive spirit of both institutions. Again, this initiative will further the NBA’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for HBCU athletics.
Since 2021, when the NBA expanded its commitment to HBCUs, the NBA has contributed more than $5 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships. The two schools will each receive $100,000 for participating in the contest.
Tickets for the 2025 NBA HBCU Classic are on sale now. Visit here to purchase in continued support of our schools.