Baltimore will continue to host the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association men’s and women’s basketball tournaments through 2029, building on a five-year run for the most popular HBCU tournament in the United States.
The CIAA basketball tournament made its Baltimore debut in 1951 before officially relocating there in 2021. In 2023, it announced an extension through 2026. From 2022 to 2025, the CIAA Tournament has generated $109 million in total economic impact for Baltimore, including $4.8 million in direct spending with minority-owned businesses and $9.9 million in state and local tax revenue.
“Baltimore’s leadership continues to demonstrate the importance of the CIAA to its community and culture,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “They understand and value the event’s impact, one that extends far beyond the game. It’s inspiring to be seen, heard and celebrated at such a pivotal time. We look forward to the continued opportunity to showcase our incredible talent and member schools in Charm City through 2029.”
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This marks the first long-term partnership since the tournament’s move from Charlotte, where it had been held for over a decade. The CIAA previously held the tournament in Washington, D.C.; Norfolk and Richmond, Virgina; and Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Events such as Education Day, the Career Expo and Fan Fest will remain central to tournament week.
“We are incredibly grateful to the university presidents and chancellors for choosing to extend the CIAA Tournament’s run in Baltimore through 2029,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “The CIAA is more than a basketball tournament; it’s a cultural institution that celebrates excellence in education, community, and athletics.”
The decision to continue hosting the championship in Baltimore follows an extensive bid process. The 2025 tournament generated a total economic impact of $27.4 million and had a direct spending impact of $19.8 million during its five-day run in Baltimore.
“We’re beyond honored that the CIAA has chosen to continue to build a new legacy of Black excellence in Baltimore,” said Mayor Brandon Scott. “This tournament isn’t just basketball games. It’s a celebration of Black culture, Black history and Black excellence. We are proud to serve as its home and to welcome the thousands of fans, alumni and students who make it unforgettable every year to Baltimore during Black History Month.”
Baltimore along with Maryland, Visit Baltimore and the Local Host Committee, made a $1.6 million donation to the CIAA General Scholarship Fund that supports the conference’s 13 member institutions.
“This tournament has had a tremendous impact on our hospitality industry, generating significant impact both economically and culturally, and helps bring visitors and vibrancy to the city during a traditionally slow season for the year,” said Al Hutchinson, president and chief executive officer of Visit Baltimore. “The entire city of Baltimore is excited to welcome the tournament back through 2029 and continue showing why Baltimore is the best home for the CIAA.”
