NBA HBCU Classic 2026: Hampton vs NC A&T Live on ESPN

A basketball showdown celebrating legacy, rivalry, and opportunity

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in progress, with the players and court elements fractured into overlapping planes of vibrant colors representing the teams' uniforms.The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic celebrates the rich basketball heritage of historically black colleges and universities, showcasing the fierce rivalry between Hampton and North Carolina A&T.Inglewood Today

The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic is bringing two powerhouse HBCU basketball teams, Hampton and North Carolina A&T, head-to-head as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities. This game is more than just basketball - it's a platform to shine a spotlight on the rich athletic traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while driving support for educational, career, and economic opportunities within these communities.

Why it matters

The NBA HBCU Classic is part of the league's broader commitment to invest in and elevate HBCUs. Since 2021, the NBA has invested over $5.5 million in HBCU institutions, partnerships, and scholarships. For this year's event, the NBA and AT&T will jointly donate $100,000 to both Hampton and North Carolina A&T, demonstrating the power of sports to create real-world impact.

The details

The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic will take place on Friday, February 13 at 11 p.m. ET at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. Fans can watch the game live on ESPN2, stream it via the ESPN App, or catch it in the NCAA men's basketball streaming hub.

  • The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic will take place on Friday, February 13 at 11 p.m. ET.

The players

Hampton University

A historically black university located in Hampton, Virginia, known for its strong basketball program.

North Carolina A&T State University

A historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina, with a storied basketball rivalry against Hampton University.

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What’s next

The NBA and AT&T will jointly donate $100,000 to both Hampton and North Carolina A&T as part of the event.

The takeaway

The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic is more than just a basketball game - it's a platform to celebrate the rich history and traditions of HBCUs, while also driving support for educational, career, and economic opportunities within these communities. By tuning in, fans can be a part of this important movement.