Dallas Chosen to Host HBCU Athletic Conference Basketball Championship, Elevating HBCU Excellence and Tradition

DALLAS — The Dallas Sports Commission has been awarded a three-year bid to host the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship from 2027 through 2029, conference officials announced Wednesday. This prestigious tournament, which concludes the HBCUAC basketball season, will bring together all 15 conference member institutions to compete for league titles and showcase the rich culture and tradition of HBCU athletics to a national audience.

The announcement was made during a press conference at Paul Quinn College's Health & Wellness Center. Kiki Baker Barnes, commissioner of the HBCUAC, was joined by Andrew Dockrill, Vice President of the Dallas Sports Commission, Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College, and Cinnamon Sheffield, Assistant Director of Athletics for the Dallas Independent School District.

"Dallas demonstrated an outstanding commitment to celebrating HBCU excellence and providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and fans," said Kiki Baker Barnes. "This partnership will elevate the Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship while showcasing the rich culture and tradition of HBCU athletics to a national audience."

The Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship has experienced steady growth in recent years, generating over $1 million in economic activity by 2025.

"Dallas is honored to host the Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship and welcome the HBCUAC to our city," said Monica Paul, Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission. "This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting HBCU athletics and celebrating the incredible talent, tradition, and spirit these student-athletes bring to the court."

Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College, emphasized the significance of the championship's arrival on the college's campus, stating, "We stand for expanding the idea of what is possible. Partnering the way we do, with the HBCUAC, Dallas Sports Commission, Hope Credit Union, Dallas Independent School District, and Urban Edge Network, expands what is possible and goes beyond what is imaginable."

The HBCUAC has a rich history rooted in academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community empowerment, and Kiki Baker Barnes believes that Dallas aligns with the conference's broader mission. "Dallas, with its vibrant HBCU community and commitment to educational excellence, fits seamlessly into the mission, vision, and purpose of our championships," she said.

The HBCU community can look forward to the HBCUAC Hope Credit Union Basketball Championship returning to Dallas from 2027 through 2029, providing a platform to showcase the extraordinary talents and achievements of HBCU student-athletes and celebrating the unparalleled spirit and tradition of HBCU athletics.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.