2 Chainz, Mýa to Headline CIAA Tournament in Baltimore

Grammy Award winners to bring star power to annual HBCU basketball celebration

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Hip-hop artist 2 Chainz and R&B singer Mýa will headline the entertainment lineup for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore. The powerhouse performers will bring their chart-topping hits to the annual celebration, adding even more excitement to one of the nation's most anticipated HBCU sporting events.

Why it matters

The CIAA Tournament is a major draw for HBCU alumni, students, and sports fans, generating over $100 million in economic impact for Baltimore since relocating from Charlotte. The addition of 2 Chainz and Mýa as headliners is expected to further boost attendance and excitement around the tournament.

The details

Hosted in Baltimore for the fifth consecutive year, the CIAA Tournament features 22 fast-paced men's and women's championship matchups from the conference's 12 member institutions. Beyond the games, the week-long event includes a Fan Fest, Career Expo, community service initiatives, step shows, and parties hosted by the headline performers.

  • The 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament will take place from February 24 to February 28.
  • Events will tip off on February 24 at 10 a.m.

The players

2 Chainz

A Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist who will headline the Tip Off Friday Party during the CIAA Tournament.

Mýa

A Grammy Award-winning R&B singer who will host the R&B4Me curated events on Saturday at Power Plant Live! during the CIAA Tournament.

Food Lion

The title sponsor of the CIAA Basketball Tournament.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

The nation's first and longest-running African American athletic conference, hosting 14 championships annually and attracting over 150,000 attendees.

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What’s next

The CIAA Tournament will continue to draw thousands of HBCU alumni, students, and sports fans to Baltimore, generating significant economic impact for the city and providing scholarships for student-athletes.

The takeaway

The 2026 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore will once again showcase the best of HBCU athletics and culture, with the addition of headlining performances by Grammy Award winners 2 Chainz and Mýa further elevating the event's star power and entertainment value.