Howard and Tennessee State will take the floor in Phoenix during NBA All-Star 2027, with the league setting its next HBCU Classic for Saturday, Feb. 20 at Hardwood Central inside Jam Session at the Phoenix Convention Center.
| 2027 NBA HBCU Classic | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Howard University vs. Tennessee State University |
| Date | Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027 |
| Location | Hardwood Central, Jam Session, Phoenix Convention Center |
| Broadcast | ESPN and NBA TV, 12 p.m. MT |
| School donations | $50,000 from the NBA and $50,000 from AT&T to each university |
Howard returns; Tennessee State enters the event
Tennessee State will make its first appearance in the NBA HBCU Classic. Howard is back for a second turn after winning the inaugural edition in 2022.
The game is part of the league’s All-Star Weekend programming and will give both programs a national television window. A ticket for the Classic also includes Saturday admission to NBA Jam Session.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said the two schools bring deep basketball histories and longstanding NBA connections. He said the All-Star setting will recognize their place in the game while putting their players and institutional stories before a worldwide audience.
Money and opportunity tied to the weekend
The NBA and AT&T will each provide $50,000 to Howard and Tennessee State. The gifts are part of the league’s broader HBCU initiative, which has generated more than $5.8 million for HBCU schools, partners and scholarships since the NBA expanded that work in 2021.
Howard coach Kenny Blakeney said the weekend reaches beyond the game itself. He called it a chance for Howard students to learn, make connections and take in one of sports and entertainment’s largest annual events while representing the university, its alumni and its community.
Tennessee State coach Nolan Smith framed the assignment around his roster first, saying his players will get a rare opportunity on an NBA-built stage. Smith said the Phoenix appearance will also put Tennessee State, Nashville and the program’s alumni in front of a national audience.
NBA ties run through both programs
Howard’s current basketball operation includes five-time NBA All-Star John Wall as its president of basketball operations. Tennessee State lists 11-year NBA veteran Robert Covington as chief basketball officer, while Smith brings his own background as a former NBA player into his role as the Tigers’ head coach.
Foot Locker will again host a team introduction event during All-Star Weekend. The gathering will include a competition involving the schools’ bands and cheer squads, extending the Classic’s spotlight beyond the players on the floor.
