(BALTIMORE – June 18, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically Black athletic conference, has officially announced that the City of Baltimore will remain the home of its Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament through 2029. The decision by the CIAA Board of Directors follows a successful five-year run in Charm City — a tenure that has proven to be both economically and culturally impactful.
Baltimore first hosted the CIAA Tournament virtually in 2021 due to the pandemic and then in person beginning in 2022. The tournament has grown into a hallmark event for the city, especially during Black History Month. Its renewal through 2029 marks the longest commitment to a host city since its departure from Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Baltimore’s leadership continues to demonstrate the importance of the CIAA to its community and culture,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “This partnership is about more than basketball. It’s about legacy, impact, and being seen.”
Previously hosted in cities like Washington, D.C., Norfolk, and Raleigh, the CIAA first came to Baltimore back in 1951, before becoming an annual fixture beginning in 2021. Since then, its footprint has expanded beyond the hardwood.
From Education Day to Fan Fest presented by Nationwide, and the CIAA Career Expo, the tournament has brought economic vitality and cultural celebration to the city during an otherwise slower tourism season. In 2025 alone, the tournament generated $27.4 million in economic impact and created nearly 1,500 jobs — part of a total $109 million impact over four years.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore praised the renewal, calling the CIAA “a cultural institution.”
“In the last three years, the CIAA tournament has generated $109 million in total economic impact for Baltimore,” said Moore. “Its continued presence not only boosts our economy but also advances equity and opportunity for all Marylanders.”
Mayor Brandon M. Scott echoed that sentiment, calling the CIAA “a celebration of Black culture, Black history, and Black excellence.”
“We’re beyond honored the CIAA chose to build a new legacy of Black excellence right here in Baltimore,” said Scott. “This tournament isn’t just basketball — it’s a movement.”
A major supporter of that movement is Baltimore-based sportswear giant Under Armour. Under Armour renewed its long-standing partnership with the CIAA and continues to outfit student-athletes in high-performance gear.
“This collaboration goes far beyond apparel,” said Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. “It represents shared values and a commitment to excellence and community.”
Equally critical has been the $1.6 million contribution to the CIAA General Scholarship Fund from the City of Baltimore, State of Maryland, Visit Baltimore, and the local host committee — an investment in the students of all 13 CIAA-member HBCUs.
“The entire City of Baltimore is excited to welcome the tournament back through 2029 and show why Baltimore is the best home for the CIAA,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore.
The CIAA Board of Directors, led by Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State University, also acknowledged the importance of the local partnership and community support.
“We’ve been met with an incredible spirit of hospitality and partnership in Baltimore,” said Breaux. “This collaboration uplifts our student-athletes and HBCU communities.”
The next CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place February 24 to March 1, 2026, at CFG Bank Arena, keeping Baltimore in the spotlight during one of the nation’s most dynamic sports and cultural events.
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About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the CIAA is the first and longest-running African American athletic conference in the U.S. It includes 13 member institutions and hosts 14 championships annually. Learn more at theciaa.com.
About Visit Baltimore
Visit Baltimore is the city’s official destination marketing organization. In 2023, tourism, conventions, and events generated $4 billion in economic activity. Learn more at Baltimore.org.
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