Baltimore Secures 5-Year Extension to Host CIAA Basketball Tournament

The annual Division II HBCU basketball event has become a February tradition in the city.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Baltimore has secured another five-year extension to host the Food Lion Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament. The event, which features men's and women's basketball games, has become a great February tradition for the city. On the tournament's first day, fans witnessed a blowout, a monster comeback, and more. The 2026 tournament marks the fifth year the city has hosted the event.

Why it matters

The CIAA tournament has become an important event for Baltimore, drawing in fans, players, and HBCU communities from across the region. Hosting the tournament helps showcase the city and its revamped CFG Bank Arena as a great venue for Division II basketball and the accompanying cultural celebrations.

The details

The CIAA tournament will feature 22 games over the next five days, culminating in the championship games on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event has become a major draw for the city, with the basketball games complemented by various other events and celebrations centered around HBCU culture and community.

  • Baltimore secured a five-year extension to host the CIAA tournament.
  • The 2026 tournament marks the fifth year the city has hosted the event.

The players

Food Lion

The title sponsor of the CIAA Basketball Tournament.

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)

The Division II collegiate athletic conference that hosts the annual basketball tournament.

CFG Bank Arena

The revamped arena in Baltimore that has become the host venue for the CIAA tournament.

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The takeaway

The CIAA tournament has become an important annual event for Baltimore, helping to showcase the city's basketball culture and community while also providing an economic boost during the winter months.