The 2026 Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic will bring together ten of the nation's top historically black college and university basketball programs for a landmark event in Washington, D.C. Florida A&M University's Rattlers are slated to play two highly anticipated matchups, marking a significant milestone for the program and its fan base.
Matchups and Schedule
Rattler Nation will see its team face Hampton University on December 4 before traveling to take on Tennessee State University on December 5. Both games will be part of a broader slate that includes Howard, Grambling State, Winston‑Salem State, Clark Atlanta, Virginia State and West Virginia State, creating a dense weekend of competitive HBCU basketball.
For the first time, the tournament will be held at CareFirst Arena, expanding the event's footprint under the partnership of Events DC. The venue upgrade reflects a growing commitment to showcasing HBCU athletics on a national stage and provides a larger, more accessible setting for fans and media alike.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in collaboration with Chris Paul's foundation. Their joint effort aims to elevate the profile of black college sports, offering student‑athletes a premier platform that emphasizes talent, education and community impact.
Coach Charlie Ward, who leads the Rattlers, praised the event as a vital opportunity for his program, stating that the showcase will inspire future generations and reinforce the importance of HBCU basketball within the broader collegiate landscape.
Hall of Fame partner John L. Doleva and board member Sheila Johnson have also highlighted the strategic significance of the partnership, noting that the involvement of high‑profile figures like Chris Paul and the support of influential leaders such as Johnson amplify the event's reach and credibility.