HBCU basketball’s biggest stage is up for grabs, and Baltimore isn’t ready to give it up. HBCU basketball fans have made Baltimore their go-to destination for the CIAA Tournament since 2022. And if Mayor Brandon M. Scott has his way, that won’t be changing anytime soon. With the city’s hosting contract nearing its end and bids for the 2027-2029 tournaments due in April, Scott is making it clear—he wants the nation’s oldest HBCU basketball conference tournament to stay right where it is.
And he isn’t just making a pitch; he’s going all in. Speaking with HBCU Gameday, Scott made it clear that Baltimore sees the CIAA as more than just an event. “We don’t ever want the CIAA to leave Baltimore,” Scott said, highlighting the city’s prime location and long-term investment in the tournament’s success. For him, this isn’t just a business deal. It’s about showing up and standing with the CIAA, no matter the challenges.
Beyond just keeping the tournament in the city, Scott is doubling down on Baltimore’s commitment to the student-athletes and schools that make up the CIAA. “And that’s Black Baltimore Charm City love,” he said passionately. “We don’t want them to go. We’re going to put our best foot forward and we’ll see what goes. But we want you all to be here in Black Baltimore for Black History Month forever and forever.”
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It’s clear Scott is not just selling the city. He’s making it known that Baltimore takes pride in hosting and uplifting the CIAA community. However, Baltimore isn’t the only city eyeing the tournament. Charlotte, which held the event for 15 years before Baltimore took over, is expected to be a strong contender. And with the CIAA weighing its options, other cities could enter the mix as well.
However, Charlotte has history on its side, with many fans reminiscing about the Queen City’s electric atmosphere during tournament week. But Baltimore has built its own legacy, earning praise for its hospitality, security, and commitment to celebrating Black businesses and culture.
What sets Baltimore apart from other cities for CIAA?
There’s something special about Baltimore that makes it the perfect backdrop for the CIAA Tournament. First things first, Maryland has become a powerhouse of leadership of color and culture, setting the stage for an experience that feels both meaningful and electric. It’s the only state with a Black Governor, a Black Mayor leading its largest city, and one of just two Black women Senators in the country.
That’s not just representation—it’s a reflection of a city deeply rooted in culture and progress. But Baltimore isn’t just about politics; it’s a living, breathing canvas of history and creativity. From the rhythmic pulse of live music to the explosion of color in its street art, the city invites you to explore its soul.
The Baltimore Museum of Art and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum—the largest African American museum in Maryland—offer powerful stories waiting to be discovered. And if you’re up for something fresh, the Baltimore Times’ Creatively Black Baltimore pop-up exhibition is a must-see between the games.
From culture to history, Baltimore doesn’t just host the CIAA Tournament—it elevates it. However, as the bidding process unfolds, the question remains: Will the CIAA stick with the city that’s given it a fresh home or return to a familiar past?
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