Springfield Leaders Push Back on HoopHall Classic Relocation Talks

The annual high school basketball tournament generates over $11 million for the region.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno says he was blindsided to learn that the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame had been quietly exploring a potential move of the HoopHall Classic tournament to Boston, citing a need for more hotel rooms and gym space. Sarno pushed back strongly, noting the event generates over $11 million annually for the Western Massachusetts region and that local facilities are sufficient to host it. Hall of Fame officials have since confirmed the tournament will remain in Springfield through at least 2028, with an option to extend through 2031.

Why it matters

The HoopHall Classic is a major economic driver for Springfield and the surrounding region, providing critical hotel, restaurant, and retail revenue during the winter months. Losing the tournament to Boston would have had a significant negative impact on local businesses and jobs.

The details

In a letter to Hall of Fame President and CEO John Doleva, Mayor Sarno expressed his frustration that the Hall was considering relocation 'without notifying him' and 'working counter to' the mission of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, of which Doleva is a board member. Local school leaders also voiced concerns about the tournament's importance to their communities. Doleva has since confirmed the event will remain in Springfield per a renewed contract with Springfield College.

  • The HoopHall Classic generates over $11 million for the Western Massachusetts region each year.
  • In February 2026, Mayor Sarno learned the Hall of Fame was quietly exploring a potential move of the tournament to Boston.
  • Doleva has confirmed the HoopHall Classic will remain in Springfield through at least 2028, with an option to extend through 2031.

The players

Domenic Sarno

The mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts.

John Doleva

The president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

Mary Kay Wydra

The president of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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What they’re saying

“To put it bluntly, you dropped the ball. It is especially puzzling, since you are a board member of the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau... you were working counter to that mission.”

— Domenic Sarno, Mayor of Springfield (westernmassnews.com)

“Having the HoopHall tournament in the city where basketball was invented is the only aspect that makes sense.”

— South Hadley High School Athletic Director (westernmassnews.com)

“These tournaments were built here, have thrived here, and have become cornerstone winter economic drivers for Springfield and Western Massachusetts.”

— Mary Kay Wydra, President, Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (westernmassnews.com)

What’s next

Doleva told Western Mass News the contract with Springfield College has been renewed, keeping the HoopHall Classic in Springfield through 2028, with an option extending through 2031.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of the HoopHall Classic tournament to the Springfield and Western Massachusetts region, both economically and culturally. The strong pushback from local leaders demonstrates their commitment to keeping this premier high school basketball event in the city where the sport was invented.