Notables Gather at Under Armour Headquarters to Launch Plans for the Upcoming Tournament
(Baltimore, MD) December 15, 2025- Baltimore’s deep-rooted connection to Black excellence, culture, and economic opportunity took center stage on December 11, 2025, as civic, business, and sports leaders gathered at Under Armour’s global headquarters greeted by its Founder CEO Kevin Plank to officially announce the Local Host Committee for the 2026 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, set to return to the city in February 2026.
This high-profile event was staged by Kireem Swinton, Interim CEO of Visit Baltimore and Zac McDaniels, Co- Chair of Baltimore Local Host Committee for CIAA Basketball Tournament. The gathering featured a fireside chat with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott, moderated by Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. The discussion highlighted the CIAA Tournament’s enduring significance as both a premier sporting event and a cultural institution that generates meaningful economic and community impact across Baltimore and the State of Maryland.
Governor Moore emphasized that the CIAA Tournament represents far more than competition on the court. He pointed to its role in celebrating education, opportunity, and Black excellence, while driving measurable economic growth. Since returning to Baltimore in 2021, the CIAA Tournament has generated more than $109 million in total economic impact for the city, reinforcing its importance as a cornerstone event for Maryland’s economy.
Mayor Scott echoed that sentiment, underscoring Baltimore’s pride in serving as the tournament’s home. He noted that the CIAA is a celebration of Black culture, Black history, and Black excellence, and that hosting the tournament during Black History Month brings thousands of fans, alumni, and students to Baltimore. The influx supports local hotels, restaurants, attractions, and small businesses throughout the city.
Visit Baltimore Interim President and CEO Kareem Swinton shared insights into the tournament’s significant and sustained economic benefits. The 2025 CIAA Tournament alone generated $27.4 million in total economic impact during its five-day run, supported nearly 1,500 full-time and part-time jobs, and produced $2.4 million in state and local tax revenue. Beyond tourism spending, the City of Baltimore, the State of Maryland, Visit Baltimore, and the Local Host Committee collectively contributed $1.6 million to the CIAA General Scholarship Fund, directly supporting students attending the conference’s 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
A key moment of the program came from Local Host Committee Fundraising Chair Ja’Ron Bridge, Interim CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. Bridge reaffirmed CareFirst’s longstanding commitment to supporting the CIAA and challenged fellow corporate and philanthropic leaders in attendance to step forward as sponsors for the 2026 tournament. He emphasized that investing in the CIAA is an investment in students, workforce development, and equitable economic opportunity across the region.
The announcement also spotlighted Under Armour’s renewed partnership with the CIAA. As a Baltimore-based global brand, Under Armour will continue providing apparel and footwear for student-athletes, reinforcing a shared commitment to community impact and excellence.
The CIAA Board of Directors recently voted to extend Baltimore’s hosting rights for the tournament through 2029, marking the conference’s first long-term host partnership since relocating from Charlotte. The 2026 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place February 24 through March 1 at CFG Bank Arena, once again positioning Baltimore as the national stage where sports, culture, and community converge together.