By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com
The 2026 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament tipped off at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena on Feb. 24, with six match-ups on day one.
On the women’s side, the Claflin University Lady Panthers edged the Lincoln University Lady Lions 53-50 in a close opener, while the Livingstone College Lady Blue Bears followed with a 59-46 win over the Elizabeth City State Lady Vikings. The Bluefield State University women’s basketball team dominated the Shaw University Lady Bears 82-56, and the Virginia Union University women’s basketball team closed the afternoon with a 59-48 victory over the John C. Smith University Lady Golden Bulls.
(AFRO Photo/James Fields)
The men’s tournament kicked off in the evening with a showdown between the Shaw University Bears and Lincoln University Lions, who narrowly beat the former 69-63. Day one of the tournament culminated in a 100-77 win for the Bowie State Bulldogs against the Livingstone College Blue Bears.
While this week’s match-ups match-ups anchor the tournament, the CIAA experience extends beyond the court— encompassing youth clinics, business discussions, cultural programming, alumni gatherings, dining tours, fan parties and economic activity that transforms downtown Baltimore into a hub of Black excellence and joy. For city leaders and fans, CIAA represents not just a sporting event, but a tradition that fosters community and momentum.
“The tournament brings the city together,” said former NBA player Walt Williams, a native of Prince George’s County, Md. “It helps create stronger community ties, and it drives positive economic impact.”
Now a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, Williams participated the CIAA’s Youth Sports and Cheer Clinic, which was hosted by Visit Baltimore on Feb. 21. There, local coaches led drills to help young student-athletes improve their technique, build confidence and learn to work as a team.
During the clinic, Williams sat on a panel discussing life after sports, financial literacy and the importance of preparing for careers beyond athletics. Drawing from his own transition from the NBA to corporate leadership, he emphasized that lessons learned through sports— discipline, accountability and perseverance— can serve them in their academic and professional lives.
“The youth clinic being connected with CIAA is a great example of one of the ways this tournament goes beyond the games,” said Williams. “The opportunity for students to meet professionals, college recruiters and mentors can change the game for these young people. I think CIAA provides the student-athletes with a stage to showcase their talents while also supporting scholarships, meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships.”
There will be many more events taking place off the court throughout the week, including Downtown Partnership of Baltimore’s weeklong Black-owned restaurant tour (BORT), the Health and Mental Wellness Summit on Feb. 26, the “Greeks vs. Greeks” Step Show Throwdown on Feb. 27, the “School vs. School” Step Show Stepoff on Feb. 28 and the Money Moves Financial Summit on Feb. 28.
The BORT features 18 Black restaurants and bars situated across Downtown Baltimore, giving visitors a taste of the city’s culinary scene while supporting local businesses. Some of the featured spots include Swill, Rooted Rotisserie, BLK Swan, Cuples Tea House and Soul Kuisine.
Since the CIAA relocated to Baltimore in 2021, Mayor Brandon M. Scott said it’s generated $100 million in economic impact for the city. Last year alone, the tournament delivered $27.4 million in economic impact to Baltimore with $19.8 million in direct spending.
Scott said much of that economic activity flows to Black-owned businesses.
“We’re very intentional about setting up the Black-Owned Restaurant Tour (BORT) and targeting those folks for CIAA events. We’re very intentional about the presidents of the CIAA staying at the Ivy Hotel,” said Scott. “We’re very intentional about making sure that the teams are practicing at school and rec centers throughout the city of Baltimore.”
By spreading activities throughout the city, CIAA not only engages communities but also supports a surge in tourism and spending during what is usually Baltimore’s slow season.
“This event is such an important event for us because normally this time of the year is the deadest time for tourism in Baltimore,” said Scott. “Now, it’s one of the busiest times of the year because you have all of these people coming, and they’re spending money.”
On day one of the tournament, fans from across the country traveled to watch their favorite teams compete— bringing energy and excitement. For some, it was a chance to cheer on family members, while others have returned year-after-year to soak in the atmosphere and school spirit.
Tajama Ngongba attended to watch her daughter, Naja Ngongba, play for the Elizabeth City State University Lady Vikings. It was her first time at the tournament.
“I’m just super excited to see her play and support her and her team,” said Ngongba. “Hopefully, they can make a run here.”
Kendale Chambers Sr., former assistant coach for the Livingstone College Women’s Basketball team, said he came out to support the Lady Blue Bears during game two of the women’s tournament.
Chambers said the tournament fosters a sense of camaraderie among the young men and women who compete by allowing them to share in the legacy of a tournament that’s deeply rooted in HBCU tradition.
“It’s an event that I come to every year, even when I wasn’t coaching for CIAA,” said Chambers. “It’s just a good time. It’s empowering not only for the Black community, but for everyone to come out and enjoy.”
