Howard and Tennessee State set for 2027 NBA HBCU Classic in Phoenix

The NBA has named Howard University and Tennessee State University as the men’s basketball teams for the 2027 NBA HBCU Classic presented by AT&T, part of NBA All-Star 2027 in Phoenix.

The game is set for Saturday, Feb. 20, 2027, at Hardwood Central inside NBA Jam Session at the Phoenix Convention Center. Tip time is noon Mountain Time, with television on ESPN and NBA TV. Tickets are sold through NBAEvents; a HBCU Classic ticket also includes same-day access to Jam Session on Saturday.

HU! You Know 🗣️ Howard Men's Basketball is headed to the 2027 NBA HBCU Classic presented by @ATT. Check out the moment they found out from their President of Basketball Operations, @JohnWall 😎

Get your tickets for the game at https://t.co/SxbNnRDLfc pic.twitter.com/Cb2DvNZ0HC

— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) October 13, 2026

Tennessee State will make its first HBCU Classic appearance. Howard returns for a second time after winning the inaugural Classic in 2022.

NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said the Classic will celebrate both schools’ basketball traditions and give their student-athletes a global stage. Howard head coach Kenny Blakeney called the return an honor for the university community. Tennessee State head coach Nolan Smith said his players will get a chance to represent the school on a big stage set up by the league.

As part of the partnership, the NBA and AT&T will jointly donate $50,000 to each school. Since 2021, the NBA family has contributed more than $5.8 million to HBCU institutions, partners and scholarships, according to the league’s announcement.

Notable NBA alumni tied to the programs include five-time All-Star John Wall, who serves as Howard’s president of basketball operations, and Robert Covington, Tennessee State’s chief basketball officer. Nolan Smith is a former NBA player as well as TSU’s head coach.

Foot Locker will again host an introductory event for the teams during All-Star weekend, including a band and cheer competition. Fan-event tickets for All-Star 2027, including Jam Session, the Celebrity Game, Rising Stars and the HBCU Classic, remain on sale through NBAEvents.

Source: NBA official release; video: NBAAllStar on X.