The 2026 HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend was a memorable experience for Aggies and Pirates fans who traveled to be part of the celebration and shared photos capturing the excitement of the game. The NBA HBCU Classic, presented by AT&T as part of the league’s continued commitment to spotlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities during Black History Month, brought together two proud institutions, Hampton University and North Carolina A&T State University, on a national stage.
North Carolina A&T State University defeated Hampton University 71–70 on Friday, February 13, at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California. The one-point victory added a wild experience to an already historic evening. While the matchup was competitive, the atmosphere reflected more unity than rivalry. The HBCU classic atmosphere embodied Black excellence and shared pride for the HBCU culture. Photos from the game captured not just the action on the court, but the fellowship between the two institutions as they celebrated the monumental moment in the City of Angels.
NC A&T Aggies defeated the Hampton Pirates 71–70 in the 2026 HBCU Classic; Courtesy of North Carolina A&T State University Athletic Dept
The festivities began outside Crypto.com Arena, where live entertainment set the tone for the evening. Players from both teams were introduced in front of energized fans as marching bands performed in the background, adding to the pageantry and cultural significance of the event. Among the notable attendees were former NBA player and Virginia native Ralph Sampson, former NBA player Corey Maggette, and North Carolina A&T alumnus Terrence J. Their presence symbolized broad support and heightened visibility for the two HBCUs, as the HBCU Classic continues to expand in its fifth year.
Both universities also used the opportunity to connect with alumni on the West Coast, strengthening ties far beyond their East Coast campuses.
The HBCU Classic experience captures a vibrant cultural and school pride moment between two Southern institutions, Hampton University (Hampton, VA) and North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, NC); Courtesy of NCAT
Hampton University’s official Facebook page reflected on the experience, writing:
“We are STILL smiling from an incredible NBA All-Star Weekend. From seeing the NBA HBCU Classic shine on the biggest stage, to connecting with our alumni on the West Coast repping that BLUE and WHITE for Hampton – it was love all around. Truly an experience our Pirate family will carry with us for a long time.
#OneHampton #HBCU #NBAAllStar”
Meanwhile, North Carolina A&T embraced the West Coast energy with a lighthearted social media post featuring an Aggie stuffed animal in an A&T shirt headed to the West Coast, later meeting the larger Aggie mascot, with “Reunited” by Peaches & Herb playing in the background, symbolizing reunion and celebration.
University leaders emphasized the significance of participating in a globally televised event. North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. reflected on the impact of the moment:
“It highlights HBCU excellence, but it also highlights A&T on a global stage, and what’s important is the strength of this Aggie nation. Whenever we go somewhere, we have the biggest following. But it shows that Aggie pride is strong and well, but it also shows that we have a connection like no other. It shows that we’re committed to excellence, and what we want to do is build our messaging and build our opportunities on a great stage,” Martin Sr stated.
North Carolina A&T State University supporters, including the Aggie mascot, enjoying the fan experience at the NBA’s HBCU Classic; Courtesy of NCAT
“It’s about the meaning we provide. It’s about telling our story on a global stage. There’s no better place than North Carolina A&T and what greater place to showcase that in one of the greatest cities in the world, Los Angeles,” he added.
Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams also shared his perspective on the experience, from a standard of excellence perspective of HBCU being brought up on excellence, noting that participating in the HBCU Classic during NBA All-Star Weekend elevated the university’s visibility and reinforced Hampton’s legacy of excellence, leadership, and cultural pride on an international platform.
He said in response on the university’s opportunity to thrive and how it can be done in changing the scale,
“The whole HBCU experience is about one superior academics which we all deliver, but at Hampton our motto is call this thing called the standard of excellence and an education for life,” Williams stated during the red carpet.
Hampton University proudly represents in its signature blue and white, bringing “Pirate Island” from Hampton Roads to L.A. during the 2026 HBCU Classic; Courtesy of Hampton University
“So I think the real secret sauce for Hampton is the education for life piece. It’s that part beyond the classroom. If I could pivot to this weekend, this is part of that education for life and so when I think about the experience that our student athletes that are getting, our cheerleaders, our band, and all of our students that are watching from all over the world, Unites States and our alumni. It’s a phenomenal experience,” Williams said noting that it gives students a vision on what is possible.
The Classic was additionally supported by Foot Locker, which hosted the official welcome event for the two HBCUs. The event, held outside Crypto.com Arena, featured entertainment, battles of the band, and fan engagement activities that enhanced the overall experience. Both North Carolina A&T State University and Hampton University were presented with checks in the amount of $25,000 each from the Foot Locker Foundation, Inc., further demonstrating corporate investment in HBCU programs and student-athletes.
Overall, the 2026 NBA HBCU Classic was a celebration of tradition, unity, school pride, alumni pride, family, and the continuing the mission to elevate HBCUs on one of the world’s biggest sports stages.
