Fayetteville State Fans Seek WSSU in CIAA Championship

Broncos supporters hope for matchup with rival Winston-Salem State in conference title game.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Fans of the Fayetteville State University basketball team are eager to see their Broncos squad face off against their longtime rival, the Winston-Salem State University Rams, in the upcoming Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship game.

Why it matters

The Fayetteville State-Winston-Salem State rivalry is one of the most storied in CIAA basketball history, with the two schools located just over an hour apart and having developed a fierce on-court competition over the decades. A championship game matchup would be a highly anticipated event for fans of both teams.

The details

Fayetteville State has advanced to the CIAA championship game, and their supporters are hopeful that Winston-Salem State will join them so the two teams can battle it out for the conference title. The Broncos and Rams have met in the CIAA tournament finals several times in the past, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement among the fan bases whenever the possibility of a championship showdown arises.

  • The 2026 CIAA basketball tournament is scheduled for February 25-29.

The players

Fayetteville State University

A public historically black university located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a member of the CIAA conference.

Winston-Salem State University

A public historically black university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and also a member of the CIAA conference. The Rams are a longtime rival of Fayetteville State's Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“We've been waiting all season for a chance to play Winston-Salem State in the championship game. That's the matchup everyone wants to see.”

— Jamal Williams, Fayetteville State fan (The Fayetteville Observer)

What’s next

The CIAA tournament semifinals are scheduled for February 28, with the championship game taking place on February 29.

The takeaway

The potential Fayetteville State-Winston-Salem State CIAA title game matchup would be a highly anticipated event, pitting two of the conference's most successful and historic programs against each other in a rivalry that has captivated fans for generations.