Officials from Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association joined city leaders, business partners and stakeholders to announce the highly anticipated return of the CIAA Basketball Tournament during a press conference on the morning of January 23, 2025, at the Baltimore World Trade Center.
CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker, along with Mayor Brandon Scott, Visit Baltimore CEO Al Hutchinson and others, were beyond elated to tout the lineup of events, initiatives and activities featured in tournament week.
This year marks the fifth year that the CIAA Tournament will be held in Baltimore City, which holds profound significance in numerous ways.
The tournament usually falls on the last week of February, culminating Black History Month and serving as a precursor to the esteemed March Madness. Additionally, the CIAA, which is the nation’s oldest and longest-running African-American athletic conference in the U.S., converges in one of the nation’s prominent Black towns for an action-packed week.
Baltimore also stands uniquely with a storied, vibrant and rich sports culture that extends far beyond the Ravens and Orioles.
“As one of the country’s top 10 cities with the highest percentage of Black residents and one that amplifies Black culture, Baltimore is the perfect destination for the CIAA Tournament,” conference officials said.
Matisse Lee, Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Claflin University, shared opening remarks before giving way to Scott.
“We know how ‘Black’ and how electrifying the CIAA Tournament in Black Baltimore is,” the mayor said.
“Baltimore, as you know, is bursting with culture, mouth-watering cuisine and the warm hospitality of our residents. We are eager, once again, to welcome our family members in the CIAA back to Baltimore.”
CIAA Commissioner McWilliams thanked event sponsors, solicited support from community members and CIAA alumni, and highlighted the importance of the upcoming tournament and complementary initiatives.
“This is a memorable celebration,” McWilliams said. “I love this city. I think it is truly the charm of everything — food, fun, people. I’ve never come here and not felt like it was home. I’ve never come here and felt like I shouldn’t be here.”
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Basketball Tournament, signifying a milestone moment that highlights the notable achievements, progress and ongoing success of the conference. This particular celebration will be the focal point of tournament week, paying tribute to the female student-athletes, coaches and influential figures who have contributed to the advancement of women’s basketball.
“This year marks a monumental milestone for the CIAA and women’s sports as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Basketball Tournament and honor the trailblazing athletes who have shaped its legacy,” McWilliams added.
“The Food Lion CIAA Men’s & Women’s Basketball Tournament is more than a competition, it is a testament to the hard work of our member institutions, the resilience of our student-athletes, and the vibrant culture of our HBCUs and our community.”
Lee also serves as the chair of the CIAA 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Tournament Committee.
Carrying the moniker “#PaintingHerStory,” a variety of initiatives will be featured throughout CIAA Tournament week, including the EmpowerHER Town Hall; Women’s Empowerment Brunch presented by Nationwide; Ladies’ Night on Championship Saturday; The Mind, Body, Soul Panel; and the John B. McClendon Jr. CIAA Hall of Fame Breakfast with a special focus on leaders in women’s sports.
Along with the 22 games featured in this year’s men’s and women’s tournament, the CIAA will offer fan-favorite events for all ages, including a free Fan Fest, High School Education Day, CIAA Career Expo, Super Saturday and The 10th Annual Samaritan’s Feet “Shoes of Hope” initiative.
Once again, the CIAA will team up with Visit Baltimore to host a series of town halls and forums like the Tech Summit House, Money Moves Financial Summit and Health & Mental Wellness Forum.
In 2024, the tournament generated a total economic impact of $32.5 million, supporting an estimated 1,315 part-time and full-time jobs while generating $3.1 million in state and local taxes, according to the CIAA.
The tournament is slated for Feb. 25 to March 1, 2025 in downtown Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena.
The CIAA’s 13 member institutions: Bowie State; Bluefield State; Claflin; Elizabeth City State; Fayetteville State; Johnson C. Smith; Lincoln; Livingstone; Saint Augustine’s; Shaw; Virginia State; Virginia Union; and Winston-Salem State will meet in less than a month to commence postseason action.
The week’s festivities will officially kick off on Feb. 22 with a youth sports clinic at Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center in Cherry Hill.
“The CIAA Tournament is more than just basketball—it’s a week-long celebration of Black excellence, HBCU pride, and community,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the CIAA, bringing new and enhanced experiences for fans to enjoy. From the excitement of championship games to community events showcasing Baltimore’s rich Black history and vibrant culture, we invite both visiting and local fans to take part in this unforgettable week.”
